The number of people being tested for COVID-19, as well as the percentage of positive tests, is on the rise in Christian County, health officials say.
So far this month, the drive-thru COVID-19 test site at Tie Breaker Park has seen an average of 165 people per day, Christian County Health Department spokeswoman Amanda Sweeney told Hoptown Chronicle. It’s a significant increase since June, when the site saw an average of 90 people per day. The site averaged 59 people per day in May and 46 in April.
It’s not the only testing-related increase the county is seeing.
“We have also seen an increase in the percentages that test positive,” Sweeney said. “I say that to negate the common notion the public has that we only have more positive tests because we have been testing more people. That is not necessarily the case, and you can see that when you see … the increase in percentages for those who test positive.”
In June, the health department saw a positive rate of 6%, up from 2% in May. Figures were not yet available for this month, as many tests are pending. The county has reported 75 new cases of the novel coronavirus since July 1.
Sweeney attributed the increase in testing to the spike in cases locally and the return of many from vacation.
The health department is asking everyone to adopt habits such as frequent hand washing and the use of sanitizer, wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and avoiding touching your face. They also encourage anyone, with or without symptoms, to be tested.
“All of these things are so important to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Sweeney said. “We certainly don’t want to see numbers skyrocket as vacations and social gatherings increase and school begins.”
The Christian County Health Department operates the drive-thru COVID-19 test site at Tie Breaker Park from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday. There is no cost to be tested and no eligibility restrictions. Anyone who would like to be tested but does not have transportation to the test site should call the health department at 270-887-4160 for assistance.
As of July 7, Jennie Stuart Health had administered 2,919 COVID-19 tests. Of those, 823 were done between June 23 and July 7 — nearly three times the number of tests administered during the previous two weeks.
Local physicians and medical clinics are also testing patients, but those numbers are not being reported.
Julia Hunter is the engagement editor for Hoptown Chronicle. Reach her at julia@hoptownchronicle.org.
