Grim milestone: 100 people have now died from COVID-19 in Fayette County, officials say

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The Lexington-Fayette Health Department has announced that the 100th person in the city has died after contracting COVID-19.

There are 117 new COVID-19 cases in Lexington on Wednesday, including one recent death of a 96-year-old woman.

"It's a sad milestone that not anyone has been excited to see," said Kevin Hall, spokesman for the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department. "This has been 100 deaths of Lexington residents. There are 100 families that have been severely impacted by this, losing someone that meant something to them."

According to the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, 117 new cases were reported Wednesday, including the latest death. There have been 11,672 COVID-19 cases reported in the county since the start of the pandemic.

Hall said the month of October was the second-highest month yet with COVID-19 related deaths, at 23. Hall wants to remind Fayette County citizens we are in the 'red zone,' meaning you should try to avoid small gatherings.

"Just because you're in the orange doesn't mean your neighbor cannot bring it in to you; it doesn't mean that it won't spread. We need to act like it is everywhere because it is everywhere," Hall said.

Data from the department says 63% of the county's deaths related to COVID-19 have been over the age of 75. 57% of those who died lived in long-term care facilities.

As the days grow colder and we inch closer to the holiday season, city officials want people to stay vigilant in safety measures, especially around the most vulnerable.

"This is why we do what we do. We stay 6 feet apart; we wash our hands; we wear our masks. We protect ourselves, yes, but more than that, we protect other people," Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said.