Lyon County Public Health emphasized the importance of the non-congregate housing resource during the Lyon County Commission’s recent study session after nearly a dozen COVID-19 patients were checked into the facilities this week.
According to Lyon County Public Health Emergency Preparedness Director Jeniffer Milburn, between Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 individuals were taken into non-congregate housing at Emporia’s La Quinta and Hampton Inns. The non-congregate housing was set to be “demobilized” on Tuesday according to Milburn before this situation arose.
She says this sudden uptick in need is a prime example of just how vital resources such as non-congregate housing is as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Of the 11 individuals currently utilizing non-congregate housing, one is in isolation. Milburn says all of the individuals come from the same household but are not all related to one another.
This comes as Lyon County Public Health is currently tracking the development of three new COVID clusters related to recent large gatherings. According to Milburn the most recent cluster developed after a multi-household camping trip over the Memorial Day Weekend which has led to at least one positive COVID-19 case so far.
The other two clusters were related to activities at Lake Perry back in May and a gathering which occurred on Mother’s Day. Milburn says while it is important for residents to celebrate holidays, it is also important to do so safely.
Lyon County Commissioners will be considering a future Lyon County Public Health order declaration during their weekly action session Thursday.
The Lyon County Commission will reconvene for their weekly action session Thursday at 8 am inside the Lyon County Courthouse. The meeting will be available for viewing on the county’s Facebook page.
