March 11, 2020
Dear Town of Jackson Residents,
As most of you likely know, there is a global outbreak of a virus called COVID-19. The Town of Jackson is taking many steps to ensure a strategic response to the virus if it arrives in Wyoming. Currently, there have been no reported cases in Wyoming and the immediate risk to Town residents from the disease remains low. However, it is becoming increasingly likely that COVID-19 will eventually spread to Wyoming. The Town is working with the Health Department, Wyoming Department of Health, St. John’s Health, and many other local partners throughout the county to prepare for possible cases. Led by the Health Department, this group of agencies is prepared with the county-wide Incident Command System to ensure effective communication and coordination should the virus arrive in our area.
Most of us do all we can to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and healthy. As we watch COVID-19 spreading across the globe, we are worried about our families and our community. This virus is revealing the interconnectedness of our world. It shows, conclusively, that our health and well-being is intimately bound to the health and well-being of our entire community. Our fates are intertwined and we need to work together to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. Now is the time for action.
It is our responsibility to come together to protect the lives of those around us by limiting the spread of this disease as much as possible. As individuals, we can wash our hands and check in on our neighbors. We can stay home from work and public places when we feel sick. As a collective, we can make sure that Town and County agencies are as prepared as possible and are making appropriate decisions about large gatherings that are scheduled to occur. With this in mind, the Town and County have scheduled a special Joint Information Meeting to discuss the COVID-19 Virus and potential implications to large community events in the Town of Jackson and Teton County.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) just published a document entitled “Implementation of Mitigation Strategies,” (URL hyperlink: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/community-mitigation-strategy.pdf) which highlights (on page 7) suggested action related to ‘Community and faith based organizations.’ The events that the Town Council and the Board of County Commissioners will discuss tomorrow include but are not limited to the following.
Upcoming Special Events in the Town of Jackson:
March 19-22 World Championship Hill Climb
March 20 Octane Addictions
March 27 Rendezvous Music Fest on the Town Square
April 11 Annual Easter Egg Hunt
May 9 Eco Fair
May 16-25 Old West Days and Elk Fest
May 24 Million Dollar Music Fest on the Town Square
June 6 JH Half Marathon
June 7 Touch-a-Truck
The meeting will take place Thursday, March 12 at 11:00 a.m., at Town Hall (150 East Pearl Avenue) in the Council’s Chambers. If you cannot make it, or don’t intend to make public comment, you can click here (URL hyperlink: http://townofjackson.com/290/Watch-a-Meeting-Online) to watch online. The meeting will also be recorded and available on the Town’s website. Members of the public with questions or concerns about COVID-19 can call the Health Department’s 24-hour hotline at 307-732-8628 to get up-to-date information. Now is the time for us to come together to help and protect everyone in our community.
Sincerely Yours,
Pete Muldoon
Mayor