Fayette County health officials say the Lexington area continues to see an increasing trend when it comes to coronavirus cases.
Fayette County Health Department Spokesman Kevin Hall says the central Kentucky community has experienced about 470 cases in the first six days of August. “That’s about 80 cases a day and you’re comparing that to about 70 new cases a day on average through July, so this is, by far, not over. It’s growing, it’s spreading and we need people to follow the guidelines,” said Hall.
Hall said there’s not one primary cause for increasing COVID-19 cases in Fayette County. The health department official added social gatherings in public spots and family get-togethers remain a concern. He said for people who don’t live in the same house, six foot social distancing and mask wearing are important.
While Governor Beshear has suggested canceling any trips to hot spot southern states, he and other health officials admit those beach visits have still happened. If that type of trip occurs, Hall said quarantining and testing are important. “So, once you get back from vacation go ahead and start staying away from others and then three to five days later, make the plans to get tested. So, that way you know for certain, are you positive or are you negative,” noted Hall.
Hall noted the testing of University of Kentucky students is likely to drive up COVID-19 numbers. He added students with positive test results who are from Lexington or live here will be included in Fayette County’s coronavirus numbers. Students who return to their homes out of county or out of state would be counted among those in their home region.?
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