Wyoming city again rejects fines for public-health violators

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) - A city council in Wyoming has decided for a second time not to punish people who violate state health orders intended to limit spread of the coronavirus.

The Casper City Council rejected the proposal Tuesday after a similar vote last week.

One concern is where to jail violators. Sheriff Gus Holbrook has asked officers to avoid bringing people suspected of coronavirus exposure to jail to avoid spreading the virus within the jail, the Casper Star-Tribune reports.

City staff will instead look for a way to house people suspe! cted of violating health orders.

The state orders in place through April 30 have closed down bars and other businesses while prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people at a time.

At least six people in Wyoming had died of the coronavirus as of Wednesday.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The vast majority of people recover.