Wyoming confirms first coronavirus death, making 50 states with fatalities

Wyoming on Monday became the last state to confirm at least one death from the coronavirus.

Gov. Mark Gordon (R) announced the death on Twitter, saying the man in question was a Johnson County resident with an underlying health condition. The death, Gordon wrote, “sadly serves as a grim reminder of the importance of following public health orders and guidance so we can reduce the number of serious illnesses and deaths in our state.”

I am saddened to learn that we have lost our first Wyoming citizen to COVID-19, a Johnson County man with underlying health conditions that put him at higher risk of severe illness and complications related to the virus. This one was close to home… 1/2

— Governor Mark Gordon (@GovernorGordon) April 13, 2020

…and sadly serves as a grim reminder of the importance of following public health orders and guidance so we can reduce the number of serious illnesses and deaths in our state. Jennie and I extend our thoughts and prayers to this gentleman’s family and friends.

— Governor Mark Gordon (@GovernorGordon) April 13, 2020

Wyoming, the least populous U.S. state, also has the fewest confirmed cases of coronavirus with 270, just below Alaska’s 272. On April 3, Gordon issued an order requiring anyone entering the state “for a non-work related purpose” to immediately self-quarantine for a 14-day period.

While the state has not issued a stay-at-home order, it ordered services including nail salons, tattoo and piercing shops, and massage parlors closed beginning March 24 and barred public gatherings of 10 or more people on March 20. All schools in the state are closed through at least April 17.