Lyon County Commissioners (from left) Rollie Martin, Ken Duft, Doug Peck. Photo from KVOE news file.
While the state of Kansas is looking for partners to explore a new form of COVID-19 testing, Lyon County commissioners are currently evaluating the possibility.
The consideration comes after CareArc’s quarterly report delivered by Executive Director Renee Hively. During that time Hively discussed the potential of “wastewater surveillance” testing wastewater samples for the COVID virus.
Hively says there are several advantages to this proposed test method, namely that it would be completely non-invasive and allow for early warning of potential outbreaks. Hively says advance notice would allow for more effective prevention.
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Hively adds that wastewater surveillance has the potential to expand into testing for other major diseases.
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No decision on testing has been made by the Lyon County Commissioners and a timeline is currently awaited for when a decision could be made.
Hively delivered these comments as part of the CareArc Quarterly Report to Lyon County Commissioners Thursday morning. As a result of the report, the commissioners approved an updated agreement with CareArc to continue public health services for the county.
Separate Thursday, Lyon County Health Officer Dr. Ladun Oyenuga presented the Monthly Public Health Report. Upon completion of her report, Dr. Oyenuga was asked to continue in her role as a medical officer, which she accepted.
Dr. Oyenuga will join KVOE’s Morning Show at 8:20 am on Monday.
The Lyon County Commission will reconvene for its weekly session next Thursday at 9:00 am within the Commission Chambers of the Lyon County Court.
