LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) – As far as the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is concerned, many across the city are treating the mandates to wear masks and stay home, as if they were nothing more than a request.
“Right now, we are seeing a lot of people come out, who are sick with symptoms, and risk infecting others,” said Kevin Hall, head of communications for the health department.
Hall said Lexington is about to double the number of positive COVID-19 cases in July from the number we had in March, April, May and June combined.
“We will have about 1,500 cases, if not more, in July alone,” he said.
Another problem Hall cited concerns people’s response to tests. Most, she believes, do not stay home while they wait for their results. The assumption that your test will be negative because you don’t feel under the weather is an important reason why the virus continues to spread at this amazing rate.
Hall knows that there is a growing concern for everyone’s mental well-being. The health department is not ruling that out at all.
“We understand. There is COVID-19 fatigue,” Hall said, “but we can’t go back to what you think was normal,” he added.
Successful contact tracking is how the health department concluded that people with mild symptoms are still heading to public places. While officials appreciate honesty when questioning people, they would prefer that everyone adhere to guidelines set by the state and department.
“If you show any of the symptoms, stay home,” Hall emphasized. “If you go out in public and have no symptoms, wear a mask and stay away from other people,” she added.
