COVID-19 Archives

Public health workers have become ‘a public punching bag’ in a politicized pandemic

by The Rural Blog
December 16, 2020

At least 181 state and local public health leaders in 38 states have resigned, retired or been fired since April 1, the largest exodus of public health leaders in American history.

Plain talk is understood: ‘Snot and spit … spread infection,’ health chief says as he advises against travel and gatherings

by Melissa Patrick
December 16, 2020

Dr. Steven Stack also asked Kentuckians not to attend gatherings outside their households during the holidays, and to order carry-out instead of dining indoors if at all possible.

Christian County school board to vote Thursday on re-entry plan

by Jennifer P. Brown
December 15, 2020

Christian County Public Schools Superintendent Chris Bentzel did not release his recommendation, but noted schools have the option of returning on Jan. 4, while the state wants districts to wait until Jan. 11.

As virus surges, Lexington hospitals ask non-COVID patients to avoid ER

by Stu Johnson
December 12, 2020

Representatives from three hospitals in Lexington are urging citizens to avoid using emergency departments for non-symptomatic COVID-19 testing.

Carry-out customers continue tent dining after health officials reinstate restaurant’s permit

by Jennifer P. Brown
December 12, 2020

On Saturday, carry-out customers dined on boxed meals inside The Village Restaurant's parking lot tent at Canton Street and Navajo Trail. Two sides of the tent were still open only partially — the main point of dispute between the owners and health officials.

Jennie Stuart issues letter of concern to the community regarding COVID-19

by Hoptown Chronicle
December 11, 2020

The letter, which is signed by Jennie Stuart CEO Eric Lee, Medical Staff President Michael Murray and Medical Group Vice President Keith Toms, pleads with the public to take extra measures to be diligent in the fight against coronavirus in order to avoid a "situation where hospitals are full."

Balancing individual liberty and public health might be the most contentious issue in American life, doctor writes

by The Rural Blog
December 10, 2020

Skeptics can underestimate the contagiousness of coronavirus and the risk their behavior poses to others. The virus’s ability to be transmitted asymptomatically makes it even riskier.

Gov. Beshear praises work of local health officials but doesn’t say what the state is doing to help them in conflicts

by Jennifer P. Brown
December 8, 2020

The governor's comments were in response to problems the Christian County Health Department is having with a local restaurant that refused to stop serving customers after its permit was suspended.

Flu vaccination rates could spell trouble for number of Kentuckians willing to get COVID-19 vaccine

by Lisa Autry
December 8, 2020

If flu vaccination rates are any predictor, not nearly enough Kentuckians will get the COVID-19 vaccine to achieve herd immunity.

Family suggests memorial gifts for Clyde Wallace

by Jennifer P. Brown
December 8, 2020

Wallace, who was a teacher and administrator in local schools, died with COVID-19 on Dec. 2.

Police investigating threat against county health official

by Jennifer P. Brown
December 7, 2020

The alleged threat was made in a comment to a Facebook post about a Hopkinsville restaurant losing its food service permit in a dispute about coronavirus regulations.

Tips to avoid being scammed as coronavirus vaccine nears

by Kentucky Health News
December 7, 2020

Not only is the general public anxious for a coronavirus vaccine, so are scammers looking to capitalize on that desperation.