ROCK SPRINGS (Wyoming News Exchange) — The Western Wyoming Community College Board of Trustees approved a 30-day mask mandate at a special board meeting on Wednesday.
The decision was made after hearing recommendations from Dr. Kim Dale, the president of Western, and updated COVID-19 statistics from Dr. Jean Stachon, the Sweetwater County public health officer.
As of Aug. 25, there are four total confirmed positive COVID-19 cases among the student body with six students currently in quarantine. Among Western staff members, two have tested positive and five are currently in quarantine.
“It’s delicate balance in keeping students safe and giving them a great experience,” Dr. Dale said.
Dr. Stachon said that Sweetwater County ranks the third highest in the state when it comes to the COVID-19 delta variant, adding that the Wyoming Department of Heath tracks these particular cases. She added that most of the variant cases are with younger people.
The board of trustees also approved a testing requirement among the students and faculty. Over the next few weeks, a survey will be conducted to find out how many students and staff members have been vaccinated. The survey is voluntary and the individual may remain anonymous.
Yadi Vicencio, the president of the student government association, said she had talked to about 280 students during Welcome Week while looking for a consensus. She said students were willing to do whatever it takes to continue in-person instruction, and that includes wearing masks.
Out of all the Mustangs she talked to, she said no one was against a mask mandate.
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