Kentucky’s phased reopening of the economy is expected to contribute to more local people being diagnosed with COVID-19, the diseased caused by the novel coronavirus, according to a report from the Christian County Health Department.
“As we review the increase in positive cases per week, we see that cases have steadily increased in Christian County compared to the weeks of April 19 to May 10,” department spokeswoman Amanda Sweeney said Tuesday in a news release. “Increases can be attributed to more activity within the community as Kentucky phases back into full operation.”
The county’s coronavirus total, as of Tuesday, was 179, including 39 active cases, 137 recovered and three deaths. Jennie Stuart Medical Center reported two patients with coronavirus were being treated Tuesday at the local hospital.
The number of confirmed cases by age group since the start of the coronavirus outbreak in Christian County are:
- Youth (0-21): 17
- Young Adult-Middle Age (22-59): 118
- Older Adult (60-84): 41
- Elderly (85+): 3
By racial category, the local cases include 134 Caucasian, 44 Black and one Asian.
“As the state transitions through the phases to reopen, it is possible that we will continue to see a rise in cases,” Sweeney said. “Please continue to practice healthy hygiene habits such as frequent hand washing, wear a mask in public places, try to keep a distance of 6 feet or more between you and others in the community, and visit one of our free testing sites to get tested for COVID-19.”
Free testing is available from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday at Tie Breaker Park.
(Jennifer P. Brown is the editor and founder of Hoptown Chronicle. Reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org.)
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation's board.
