LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Lexington's latest widespread COVID-19 testing initiative began this morning in the Cardinal Valley neighborhood.
On Tuesday, Dr. Kraig Humbaugh, the Commissioner of the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, said 30% of their positive coronavirus cases have come from the Hispanic community.
"There's a language barrier. They're afraid to get tested, or they're afraid of it hurting or worried about the loss of income," said Melissa McCarty of Bluewater Diagnostic Labs, which is conducting the testing.
At this point, a loss of income could be a real concern regardless of race, but it should not supersede the importance of being tested. On Wednesday, the country recorded its largest single-day increase in positive cases.
Testing on Thursday runs from 9 am to 1 pm and on Friday from 2 pm until 8 pm at Cardinal Valley Elementary School. Saturday's walk-up screening will occur in Valley Park, under the sheltered picnic area, from 9 am until 3 pm. And it's all free of charge.
"The fact that we're offering it for free, making it as easy as possible and limiting any barriers to drawing people in," said Karlie Lujan with Lexington's Emergency Management office.
Lujan also noted that the tests are for everyone, even those who aren't feeling under the weather.
"We advise that if you've been around someone who has COVID or if you’ve been in a big crowd, feel free to come out. It only takes a few minutes," Lujan added.
