Thousands expected to gather in Lyons this weekend amid surge in COVID-19 cases

The Greene County Health Department recently released a report showing 63 new documented cases in Greene County over the past week. That same report lists the county as one of only six in the state with a severe proportion of cases- more than 25 new cases a day per 100,000.

In light of the latest statistics, many residents have expressed their concern over the practicality of holding the Scheid Diesel Extravaganza Friday and Saturday. According to Health Administrator Shari Lewis, the event is compliant with Gov. Holcomb’s phase 4.5 of the state’s “Back on Track” initiative. In an interview conducted earlier this month, Lewis stated that there is no specific cap on capacity for outdoor events under the governor’s 4.5 plan.

Lewis said events like the Diesel Extravaganza are required to have a safety plan on file with the Health Department, which has been created and filed. The Health Department has met with EMTs, the EMA, and local and state law enforcement, and CDC recommendations like social distancing, masking and hand sanitizing are protocols that will be followed as part of compliance with the safety plan.

The Greene County Daily World posed several questions to leadership at the Greene County Health Department. Those questions were not answered.