There are some changes coming to Lyon County’s COVID-19 public health order.
During their action meeting Thursday, county commissioners approved extending the order to April 8. The two big changes are to increase the mass gathering limit from 45 to 100 under most circumstances. Larger gatherings will need written consent from Lyon County Public Health.
The second change is to end restrictions at long-term care facilities because those residents have been fully vaccinated.
Commissioner Scott Briggs says this was a major priority for the commission as long-term residents have already spent far too much time from their loved ones.
Public Health Officer Dr. Ladun Oyenuga says the changes in restrictions do not mean residents should ease up on their mitigation strategies at this time.
The county’s mask use ordinance will continue through the new health order.
County commissioners will now review public health orders on a monthly basis to allow for a faster turnaround than what has been in place by reviewing conditions every two months.
In other business, commissioners approved a resolution from Lyon County Zoning and Floodplain Manager Sam Seeley amending certain text of the Emporia Lyon County Joint Comprehensive plan. The amendment included the removal of verbage indicating the county’s intent to develop a program for the creation of bike and hiking paths on land within the county.
According to Seeley the removal of the section was due to a major misconception that led some residents to believe the county was planning to install the paths with or without landowner consent. Seeley says this was never the case and the county’s plans were to develop the program to increase outdoor recreational activity in cooperation with local landowners.
However; due to the misconception the county decided it was best to remove the section in the plan altogether.
The Lyon County Commission will next convene for their regular action session next Thursday at 9 am inside the Lyon County Courthouse.
