vaccination

Wyoming has ranked as the 5th 'least safe' states to live in during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Natrona County's top doctor took to social media on Friday with a grim announcement.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is vowing he “won’t let grass grow under our feet” as the department begins to implement new vaccine and testing directives.

"Any vaccine mandate will further divide our country, instead of uniting us."

"Remember, the hospitalizations due to COVID-19 - 99.8% of them are people who have not had their vaccine," he said. "So those of you out there who have not had a vaccine; you're a sitting duck right now."

Banner Health, the parent company of Wyoming Medical Center, announced Tuesday that all employees will be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine by a November 1 deadline.

Teton County led the state with a 53 percent vaccination rate. At the other end of the spectrum were Campbell and Crook counties in northeastern Wyoming at 14 percent.

“More than 300 Wyoming families are mourning the loss of someone they loved due to the virus. The burden on our hospitals remains high. Businesses and communities are facing big challenges,” Harrist said. “That’s why I recommend and encourage Wyoming residents to get vaccinated when it is their turn to do so.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control rates Wyoming flu activity as moderate.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the latest numbers Monday.