Equality State News

Restaurants and bars in Wyoming will resume normal operating hours beginning Jan. 9 due to a decrease in COVID-19 hospitalizations throughout the state. 

According to the Wyoming Tribune Eagle, Gov. Mark Gordon issued a statement Saturday lauding the efforts of businesses to curb the spread of the virus by adhering to health orders. He also thanked residents for understanding the pressure placed on hospitals during the pandemic. 

The lifting of the restrictions allows bars and restaurants to reopen their dine-in services from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and allows gyms to increase their group classes from 10 to 25 people. 

The mandate allows counties to opt out of the updated health order if the COVID-19 infection rate continues to drop.

Meanwhile, about 250 protesters gathered at the Wyoming State Capitol, demanding freedom and an end to restrictive COVID-19 measures.

Gordon recently announced that wearing masks would be mandatory until Jan. 25 and has been known to call people who do not comply “knuckleheads.”

Central Baptist Church Pastor Scott Clem is known for being outspoken against the measures. He led the protesters in a mask-burning and went on to say that safety precaution should be a choice depending on one’s risk levels. 

“I’m all for personal responsibility,” Clem said, as reported by Buffalo Bulletin. “If you’re in one of those high-risk classes, do what you need to do to make yourself safe. But for those who are not, that is your freedom, your liberty, that is something you have the right to do.”

Many states and counties are under fire for imposing shutdowns that have financial implications. Late last year, a relief fund meant to benefit ailing businesses in Wyoming ran dry before half of those in need could benefit. Dubbed the Endurance Fund, it ended after giving out $82 million.