Martin County has been experiencing a significant uptick in coronavirus cases.
Martin County Health Department Administrator Stephen Ward said the far eastern Kentucky county has gone from the green category to orange over the last few weeks. “We’re not sure what exactly to blame it on. We do advise people to, in accordance with the latest CDC recommendations, that people go back to wearing a mask and social distancing,” said Ward.
Ward noted the health department has seen 19 cases in the last two weeks. He said state officials have not yet confirmed if any of those cases involve a COVID-19 variant. Ward added it hasn’t resulted, so far, in a large number of requests for vaccinations. “Non-existent pretty much. People have quit calling, asking for them. Although just today we’ve seen, we did have four calls people asking for the shot. We have to have up to 100 before we can order more vaccine to give people,” explained Ward.
While the health department is not currently administering vaccinations, Ward said the shots are available at pharmacies and area hospitals.
If you appreciate access to this important content during this global pandemic, please help us continue to provide public service journalism and information to Central and Eastern Kentucky communities. Please make your contribution to WEKU today.
