Jennie Stuart

Public health officials are urging the public to take precautions to slow the spread of coronavirus so the health care system doesn't become more overwhelmed than it already is.

This will be a live, virtual presentation set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, streaming on the museum’s Facebook page.

Christian County's status as a "red zone" county prompted the changes.

Business owners should plan to allow employees to work from home next week, if possible, and reschedule, postpone or cancel all events. Community members should not attend — or host — gatherings of any size. They are also asked to reduce in-person shopping and dining, avoid non-essential activities and prioritize businesses that enforce mask mandates and other safety measures.

Twenty-four of the 25 people who've died locally from COVID-19 have had underlying health conditions. Hoptown Chronicle explores what those conditions have been and why it's important.

Flu shots are also available at the health department without an appointment.

Many of the cases have occurred among residents of nursing homes, including Christian Health Center, where 31 residents had an active case of the virus as of Wednesday.

Of the 235 cases classified as active by the health department, 31 are reported by the state to be at long-term care facilities and eight are associated with local schools.

As the state passed a solemn milestone of more than 1,000 deaths, Christian County approached the same number of cases on Wednesday.

As of Sunday, the county's positivity rate in August was 10.53%, more than twice the state rate based on weekly data the governor's office provides.

Health Director Kayla Bebout acknowledged that Christian County is a hot spot for the coronavirus.

After months of covering the COVID-19 pandemic in Hopkinsville, the story hits especially close to home for Hoptown Chronicle editor Jennifer P. Brown.