COVID update: Cases creep towards 100 in Metcalfe

Special to the Edmonton Herald-News

From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Metcalfe has maintained a low number of cases in comparison to the rest of the state and region, and was the last county in the Barren River District.

Half a year into the pandemic, the county has 86 confirmed cases, with new cases being added each week. A press release from the White House listed Metcalfe in the red zone along with neighboring Monroe, stating these counties have a 10% positivity rate.

Barren River District Health Department has confirmed a total of 4,971, cases, 4,062 of which have recovered and 98 deaths reported from COVID-19.

“We stand in solidarity with those affected during these difficult times,” said a press release from the BRDHD last week.

The Barren River District Health Department is accustomed to doing contact tracing as part of our routine communicable disease investigation process.

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been conducting contact tracing to slow the spread of the disease in our communities. Contact Tracing is key to safely getting back to work while also kick-starting the economy,” said the press release.

Contact tracing includes:

Public Health workers reach out to individuals who have COVID-19 to assess their situation, provide helpful resources, and ask about any recent in-person contacts who may have been exposed to the disease.

Recent in-person contacts are notified that they may have been exposed to COVID-19, are offered instructions, and connected to local resources. Individuals receive follow-up calls to see how they are doing and gather any new information.

“By following the instructions provided by Public Health workers, contacts help stop the spread of COVID-19 and save the lives of Kentuckians.”

The press release also encouraged people to continue to follow the guidelines set forth by Governor Andy Beshear.

Here are 10 steps to fight COVID-19 from Governor Andy Beshear:

Stay healthy at home. Leave only for essential items such as groceries once a week.

Wear a face mask when in public. To see the mandatory mask executive order from Governor Beshear, visit https://governor.ky.gov/attachments/20200709_Executive-Order_State-of-Emergency.pdf.

Avoid crowds and gatherings. Avoid crowds of any size, including home visits, recreational areas, or crowded shopping locations.

Practice social distancing. Maintain six feet between yourself and others at all times.

Know when to seek care. Follow the “When to Seek Care” guidelines available at

https://govstatus.egov.com/kycovid19

Stay up-to-date through reliable resources such as KYCOVID19.KY.GOV and barrenriverhealth.org.

Wash hands and surfaces frequently. Use warm water and soap and wash hands for at least 20 seconds.

Disinfect regularly used surfaces multiple times a day.

Apply for benefits. Kentucky has expanded unemployment benefits. If you have not applied, visit KCC.KY.GOV.

Prioritize mental health. Seek out virtual social opportunities and maintain a daily routine.

Only travel for essential items. Avoid carpooling and public transit. The safest place for you and others is at home.

Report non-compliance. If you see individuals or businesses not complying with COVID-19 guidelines, report to the KYSAFER hotline at 1-833-597-2337 or online at https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/Labor/KYSAFER.