Lexington’s mayor and public health commissioner are concerned about increases in coronavirus cases over the past few weeks. Mayor Linda Gorton and Dr. Kraig Humbaugh participated in a council COVID-19 update Wednesday.
Gorton said the central Kentucky community has seen 29 deaths. “Half of those occurred in June. To me that’s startling. So, we went March, April, May and then half of those deaths have been in June,” said Gorton.
Fayette County Health Commissioner Humbaugh said, quote, “the outlook is not particularly good in Lexington right now.” He says there was a doubling of cases in June. Mayor Gorton noted healthcare providers indicate a significant number of cases are coming from nursing homes and the Hispanic community.
This weekend Lexington is re-opening playgrounds and certain basketball courts. Lexington Council Member James Brown asked if any changes are needed, in light of increasing cases. “Should we be thinking about slowing down of some of the facilities and things that we have purview over as far as opening just to see how it goes, cause I know we’re opening basketball courts single neighborhood courts, but they’re going to get flooded with activity,” noted Brown.
The mayor said her office will be pushing out a message about the importance of wearing masks in public and she hopes to enlist other community leaders to do the same. Gorton said some businesses have signage requiring patrons to wear masks, which she said is a positive move.
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