SHERIDAN — A new COVID-19 case has been identified in Sheridan County, announced Sheridan Memorial Hospital Wednesday afternoon. 

"This particular case is unique because the elderly patient is from out-of-state and was traveling through the Sheridan area with family," stated a press release from Sheridan County Incident Management Team.

The positive case was identified Tuesday, marking the first case reported in Sheridan County since April 5. The area's 12 lab-confirmed and four probable cases have recovered.

The patient is now hospitalized at SMH, Sheridan County IMT PIO Levi Dominguez confirmed. SMH is following all guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Wyoming Department of Health in connection with this new case.

“All the protocols we put in place have been followed, and we continue to monitor this patient and situation daily to ensure the safety of this patient, our employees and our community,” said Dr. John Addlesperger, Chief Medical Officer.

Due to HIPAA laws, the hospital is not at liberty to release any further information on the patient at this time, according to SMH Marketing Manager Alan Dubberley.

SMH coordinated with Sheridan County Public Health to conduct the contact tracing investigation related to possible close contact exposure to the public.

“At this time, it does not appear there is any indication the community is at risk from this isolated incident,” Sheridan County Public Health Nurse Manager Debra Haar stated. “The patient had little to no contact with the public in Sheridan County, and everyone who was identified as a close contact has been contacted by either their employer or Public Health.”

Since the patient is from out-of-state and was only traveling through the Sheridan area, Wyoming and Sheridan County COVID-19 numbers will not be affected, according to the IMT release. The case will be added and recorded in the state where the patient currently resides, which has not been released.

However, Sheridan County Public Health and the Sheridan County Health Officer Dr. Ian Hunter expect additional positive COVID-19 cases in Sheridan County throughout the summer.

Sheridan County Public Health and Sheridan County Health Officer will continue to consider county exceptions as they come in. Any business or organization with questions can call Sheridan County Public Health at 307-672-5169.

The Sheridan Press will continue to share information on the case as it is made available.

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