As a COVID-19 outbreak was confirmed last week at the Lakeside Village assisted living facility in Panora, some members of the public have asked why this sort of information was released as opposed to the residences of other confirmed cases in the County.

Adair and Guthrie County Emergency Management Coordinator Bob Kempf says the announcement of at least seven confirmed cases at the Lakeside Village came through a concerted effort from Guthrie County Health Services, Guthrie County Hospital, the Lakeside Village, and the County Board of Health, “Why was it put out from the Board of Health’s side is basically the Board of Health felt that the information was important to provide the clarity to the situation instead of just the rumors and to reinsure the community that Guthrie County Health Services was working closely to protect the most vulnerable population.”

Kempf states that the origin of the Lakeside Village outbreak is similar to any other community spread of the virus, in that a staff member, resident, or visitor was exposed in their personal life or that it existed on something that was brought into the facility. He says no one is exactly to blame, as residents, staff, vendors, and anyone else in contact with the facility is responsible for containing the spread of COVID-19. Kempf reminds that everyone can think of one more step to help protect themselves and others from COVID-19, including wearing a face mask in public, covering your coughs and sneezes, and staying home as much as possible.