One Kentucky county has seen a significant uptick in recent coronavirus activity. While 119 counties demonstrated low community COVID activity on the most recent map, Letcher County in far eastern Kentucky registered red. Scott Lockard is the Kentucky River District Health Director. He said it remains important to isolate for ten days to lessen spread. Lockard said any resumption of activity prior to that should still be based on certain conditions.
“You have to have a total resolution of your symptoms and then you’re still supposed to be wearing a well-fitting mask preferably an N-95, if you are out in public,” said Lockard.
Lockard said those with COVID need to experience two negative tests 24 hours apart before getting back out.
The health district rep noted he can empathize with COVID sufferers. Lockard added he acquired coronavirus for a second time while visiting Letcher County over a week ago.
The public health emergency nationally is set to expire on May 11th. Lockard said the availability of COVID info will decline.
"We are really getting less data than we did at one point. So our ability to track all this is also going to be impacted,” said Lockard.
Lockard said a new COVID variant has not been lab-confirmed for the cases in far eastern Kentucky. The health district official said the higher case count in Letcher County could be attributed to more springtime gatherings and less masking.
Work continues on a new vaccine, expected to be available this fall. Lockard anticipates a simplified vaccine process in the future.
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