LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The Fayette County Health Department is pleading with the public to get vaccinated after hitting a grim milestone in Lexington on Tuesday.
The city's death toll now sits at 302.
"We've surpassed 300 deaths here in Lexington. While we're still at less than 1% of the total cases resulting in death, that's far too many for these families who've lost people," said Fayette County spokesperson Kevin Hall.
The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department wants this milestone to be a reminder that the pandemic is still killing people.
"This is a reminder that it's still out there. COVID is spreading. We need to get vaccinated, keep bringing our masks, staying away from others at least six feet to keep from spreading this," said Hall.
There are thousands of vaccination appointments available at UK's Kroger field and the health department's clinic.
They're hoping all the loss will be an eyeopener fueling more people to sign up.
"Think about the people who have died and think about what you can do to stop other people from dying," said Hall.
Director of the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center Celeste Smith placed the 302nd candle in the window of the city's COVID-19 memorial.
"I really look forward and I've said this to the Mayor's office, I look forward to when we can take the window down," said Smith.
The first goal would be not having to add another candle.
"Sometimes there's many, sometimes there's few. But it's hard to add candles that represent someone who died and a family that's mourning," said Smith.
Community members can share their memorial or tribute by emailing inremembrance@lexington.gov . The memories will be shared to the public through social media and on the city's webpage.
Here's a link to register for a vaccine appointment at UK's Kroger site: vaccine.ukhc.org
The Fayette County Health Department will have walk-in slots at the vaccination clinic on Wednesday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Consolidated Baptist Church. Make your appointment at lfchd.org/vaccine or call 859-899-2222 for help.
They are giving out the Moderna vaccine for ages 18 and up.
