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Fayette Health Department Sees Almost Daily Increases In COVID Currently

Stu Johnson

Officials with the Fayette County Health Department are reporting consistent increases in coronavirus cases.

Health Department Spokesman Kevin Hall said the case count reflects the contagious nature of the Delta variant. “What we’re seeing in Lexington is almost every day we’re having more cases than the day before. Already in August we’ve surpassed what we’ve seen in all of June. We’re more than halfway of what we saw in July. This is going absolutely going in the wrong direction,” said Hall.

Hall said it might be the start of what he terms, “that dreaded fourth wave of cases.” He said more than 66% of Fayette countians 12-and-up are vaccinated, but Hall added a 70% vaccination rate is not the end all. “One thing that people talk about is that 70% number and as we approach that in Lexington, that’s only 70% in Lexington and we don’t live in a bubble here in Lexington. People from all the different counties come in. People from different states come in. So, it’s not we reach 70 and that’s that. We need to keep getting that number higher and higher,” explained Hall.

The health department official said mask wearing by both the unvaccinated and vaccinated in public settings is important. Mayor Linda Gorton announced Monday that starting Tuesday masks are required when entering a government building.

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Stu has been reporting for WEKU for more than 35 years. His primary beat is Lexington/Fayette government.
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