Lyon County’s state of disaster declaration will now continue through mid-July following approval by Lyon County Commissioners Thursday.
Commissioners voted unanimously to extend the declaration which was set to expire Friday now through Jul. 15. According to Lyon County Emergency Management Director Jarrod Fell the declaration is a critical tool during the county’s efforts to combat COVID-19 as it provides access to financial reimbursement and aids the county in the “competition for critical resources.” Fell adds the declaration is separate from any other Lyon County Public Health order.
While the declaration is set to run through the month of July, Fell says the Lyon County Commission can rescind the declaration at any time if the COVID-19 situation begins to ease. However; Fell says it is more likely that the county will allow the order to run its course due to the access it provides to critical resources and reimbursement funds.
Separately Thursday, Lyon County Public Health Officer Renee Hively presented a local COVID-19 update to commissioners. The update reflected a significant decrease in active county cases which has been documented over the past week.
At one time there were over 300 active cases in the county and at this time there are now less than 75. Hively explains the decrease is not evidence that the county has finally “flattened the curve” in cases, but rather indicates a coming down period from the previously anticipated spike in cases which developed after the county increased its testing capacity locally.
Hively’s report came just hours before Governor Laura Kelly unveiled her new phase 1.5 for the state’s Ad Astra recovery plan which is set to go into effect on Monday. Implementation of the phase in Lyon County is dependent on approval by local health officials.
Hively says if the decision were solely up to her she would recommend waiting for an additional 14-day period in order to gain a “clearer picture” to make a more informed decision. She adds, if the county did decide to move forward it would be imperative for precautionary measures to be taken not only by local government and businesses but also all local residents.
This would include residents wearing masks in public, continuing best health practices and continuing to practice social distancing to help limit the potential spread of COVID-19.
In other business Thursday, Lyon County Administrative Judge Merlin Wheeler discussed preventative screening measures for the general public as the court begins transitioning back into public court proceedings. Wheeler explained to commissioners that Kansas Supreme Court Mandates are requiring that all individuals wishing to enter district court complete a proper screening including a temperature check and questionnaire and that they must wear a face covering before being allowed to enter the court.
Wheeler requested county commissioners consider utilizing the Supreme Court mandates not only for district court offices but the courthouse as a whole before reopening to the public.
Commissioners have taken the recommendation under advisement and will render a decision at a later time. Commissioners will reconvene for their weekly action session next Thursday at 9 am inside the Lyon County Courthouse. The meeting will be available for viewing on the county’s Facebook page.
