Lyon County’s COVID-19 public health order will remain as is, meaning changes requested by Lyon County Public Health will not go into effect at this time.
During a special meeting Monday, Public Health had recommended a return to past mitigation methods, including mask use, proper hand hygiene, six-foot social distancing and 40-percent capacity for public venues. Commissioners unanimously declined, meaning the county’s strong recommendation of mask use and social distancing will stay in place. Commissioners continue their reliance on personal responsibility, saying business owners specifically need to mandate policies for their own businesses.
When asked if she believes the county’s current course of action will have any effect on the current spike in cases, Public Health Officer Dr. Ladun Oyenuga says she does not believe it will.
County Commissioner Scott Briggs responded saying that he does not “discount her theory,” however, he “feels the same way about a mandate.”
When asked if he felt the county’s decision will only exacerbate the local strain on health care resources, Briggs responded by saying, “I don’t feel as we are. I think highly recommending will get the people of the community to follow.”
Both Briggs and Commission Chairman Rollie Martin added that legally speaking, the county has no way of enforcing a mandate even if it were issued. Martin says he cannot speak to whether a mandate would have any effect on the current spike one way or the other, however, he says “we are not here as a county commission, at least from my point of view, to govern what people should do…”
Commissioner Doug Peck declined to comment following the meeting.
The meeting came shortly before Public Health’s Monday data set. Lyon County added over 220 cases between Friday and Monday with the active caseload now at 480, down one between reporting periods.
Commissioner Briggs will give his perspective on the current situation on KVOE’s Newsmaker 2 segment at 8:20 am Tuesday.
Tagan Trahoon contributed to this report.
