The map designating coronavirus activity in Kentucky has been red from border to border this week. It signifies the highest incidence rate category and that’s been the case in several southeastern Kentucky counties.
Scott Lockard is the Kentucky River District Health Director. The district covers Perry, Knott, Letcher, Leslie, Lee, Wolfe, and Owsley Counties. He said Omicron has just totally overwhelmed his department.
“I have three of my health departments that are directly impacting my nursing staff due to having Omicron or being exposed themselves. I have three health departments that I have no nurses in this week,” said Lockard.
The three affected counties are Lee, Owsley, and Wolfe. Lockard noted they remain open but certain services are not available.
In addition to vaccination, masking out in public is recommended. Lockard said an upgraded mask is preferable.
“What we’re seeing is that just regular cloth masks, while they were more effective in previous variants, Omicron is so transmissible, that they’re not nearly as effective. Now, that doesn’t mean to stop wearing cloth masks, if that’s the only masks you have available. A cloth mask is better than no mask,” explained Lockard.
Lockard said men with beards will likely not see as good protection with the tight-fitting KN95 masks as those without facial hair. The health department spokesman added comments about poor airflow when wearing the KN95 or N95 usually means it’s working.
