The Lexington community is seeing a decline in coronavirus cases in line with what’s happening across the Commonwealth. Fayette Health Department Spokesman Kevin Hall said two weeks ago Lexington was experiencing 250 to 270 cases per day. He noted now that figure is 157 new cases. “The first part of September we were on track to have the most new cases in one month since this outbreak began, but over the last ten days, every day, the cases have been going down. This does not mean this is over. It does not mean we let up and stop doing what we’ve been doing,” said Hall.
Hall stressed the importance of getting a flu shot along with vaccinations this fall. He said the threat of transmission of influenza is likely to be higher this flu season. The health department official added his agency and many other medical providers are now administering Pfizer boosters to those 65 and over, plus people with a variety of underlying health conditions. That includes people with diabetes, heart, lung, kidney, or liver issues. Hall said current and previous smokers, and individuals with a body mass index over 25 are also eligible.
Hall said the opening up of coronavirus vaccination to children five-to-12 will be a game changer. Hall said it will provide protection to these youngsters and those around them. Plus, it greatly lessens disruptions in the class and home. “It will make it easier for caregivers because not only are you giving them the best protection, but if they’re exposed to a positive case, they don’t have to quarantine. So, the likelihood of having to pull mass groups of kids out of a classroom becomes decreased. That’s a big benefit for parents, cause you don’t have to hire a babysitter, you don’t have to stay home from work,” explained Hall.
Hall said approval for child vaccinations is expected before the end of the year.
More with Kevin Hall on recent coronavirus activity in Lexington
