As the Christian County Health Department on Tuesday announced seven new cases of COVID-19, health officials reminded residents returning from vacation that the virus can take five to seven days after exposure to be detected.
The department recommended testing several days after returning from a trip to lessen the chances of receiving a false negative and encouraged those who are interested to get retested at the department’s free drive-thru testing site at Tie Breaker Park.
Local coronavirus cases are on the rise for several reasons, including increased activity within the community, holiday gatherings and summer vacations, often to hotspot COVID-19 locations within the United States, according to the department.
Gov. Andy Beshear issued an order Monday aimed at addressing some of these factors. He rescinded previous guidance allowing groups of 50 or less to gather, lowering it to 10. He also issued an advisory asking all travelers who visit any state reporting a positive COVID-19 testing rate of 15% or higher to quarantine for 14 days.
Tuesday’s announcement brought the county’s number of active cases to 150, which is 35% of all confirmed local cases since the pandemic began. Of those 431 cases, 277 have recovered and four patients have died from COVID-19 complications.
Christian County set a single-week record last week with 88 new cases confirmed. The second-highest total (58) was reported the week prior.
The cases by age group are:
- Youth (0-21): 67
- Young Adult-Middle Age (22-59): 289
- Older Adult (60-84): 68
- Elderly (85+): 7
COVID-19 complaints
The department also noted that it has received numerous complaints regarding non-compliance within the community and lack of enforcement.
Those who have such concerns can report them by using the 1-833-KYSAFER hotline or by visiting the health department’s website and clicking the “COVID-19 Complaints” button. Complaints are reviewed regularly and addressed locally or by the Department of Labor.
Christian County COVID-19 cases
(Julia Hunter is the webmaster for Hoptown Chronicle. Reach her at Julia_Hunter622@hotmail.com.)
Julia Hunter is the engagement editor for Hoptown Chronicle. Reach her at julia@hoptownchronicle.org.
