LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Fayette County has reentered the "red zone" of COVID-19 infections, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department said Thursday. This means the county has 25 or more average daily COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people.
Wednesday saw 130 new cases, making it the sixth-highest single-day total since the beginning of the pandemic.
Fayette County now has a total of 10,917 cases and 95 deaths during the outbreak.
LFHD is asking residents to refer to Gov. Andy Beshear's recommendations for red counties to help slow the spread of the virus during the recent uptick in cases.
The city's highest one-day case totals are as follows:
- 167 cases, Sept. 11
- 149 cases, Sept. 10
- 135 cases, Oct. 27
- 133 cases, Oct. 15
- 131 cases, Aug. 7
- 130 cases, Oct. 28
- 126 cases, Oct. 9
Since March, when Lexington first started monitoring the virus, case numbers have surged. Fatima Warren was one of the first people to contract the virus in Lexington back in March, and she says a lot has changed since then. "I think people are now starting to get it; I think people really understand the consequences of it," says Warren.
When she was tested, she urged physicians for a COVID-19 test, but now testing is widespread.
"I had a feeling that it wasn't going to get better, and here we are going back to the period of time that we are in right now at seven months. Here we are a red county," says Warren.
Despite becoming a "red zone," Fayette County officials say they will continue with Halloween festivities.
Trick-or-treating is planned for Saturday, October 31, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Lexington-Fayette County Health Department spokesperson Kevin Hall says they ask people to keep groups small, wear masks, and even change the way they hand out candy.
"If you have candy to give out, put it outside prepackaged on a table or display so people can get that without coming to your door," says Hall.
