Kentucky Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack said Wednesday the state’s coronavirus incidence map was the worst it’s ever looked. He noted every indication suggests it’s going to get worse before it gets better.
Stack said community spread of COVID-19 is a significant issue, adding the threat of infection increases when there’s a breakdown in tracking the virus. “Our folks get called by a contact tracer and they say I haven’t been in contact with anyone. And we all know that that is not true. And they don’t comply. And then we have people want to say every business is essential. Well yes every business is essential and important, but they’re saying it so they don’t have to quarantine,” said Stack.
Dr. Stack said when guidelines are flaunted, they don’t work. He added that can mean the disease will ultimately drive behavior at a much higher cost with loss of life, business, and health and wellness.
Governor Beshear reported 1864 new COVID-19 cases yesterday along with 14 deaths. Beshear said the disease is no longer localized in long term care or corrections facilities, but spreading in many communities.?
Kentucky Health and Family Services Secretary Eric Friedlander said long term care in Kentucky, in the nation, and around the world is a challenge during coronavirus. The head of the cabinet said providing services in these facilities is hard, but added caregivers had, as he put it, “hung in there.” Friedlander thanked long term care staff. He noted creative visitation is being spelled out. “And we have some guidelines around visitation. We want to talk about how do we encourage more outdoor, weather permitting, visitation. We have some funding to help facilities alter some of their outside areas to allow for that,” explained Friedlander.
Recognizing that Kentucky often ranks 40th or worse nationally when it comes to health related matters, Friedlander said strong staff efforts in long term care centers helped place the state 26th in nation for the prevalency of the disease.
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