GEORGETOWN, Ky. (LEX 18) — Some Scott County residents say they're concerned after Gov. Andy Beshear shared a White House report Tuesday that listed the county in the "red zone" for its COVID-19 positivity rate.
The list, based on data from August 8-14, included 20 Kentucky counties, and Beshear said it means the county had a positivity rate of ten percent or higher.
For Kevin Freeman, who works at a restaurant in downtown Georgetown, the news means a continuation of the precautions he's been taking since March.
"It kinda makes me feel a little nervous but at the end of the day I just social distance and keep my hands clean and stay around the same people," he said.
WEDCO District Health, which serves Scott County, posted case numbers Monday that revealed the county had 510 total coronavirus cases and one death.
A Facebook post on the district's page also revealed it was, "In the process of educating multiple businesses in Scott County," on the mask mandate. The post also listed the same message for Harrison County and noted two businesses in Nicholas County that had not complied with the mask mandate.
Freeman said he believes young people in Scott County may be relaxing when it comes to following guidelines.
"It's the younger ones that are tired of being inside all day," he said. "They want to get out and hangout with their friends."
The "red zone" label concerned Jimmy Collins, who picked up takeout in downtown Georgetown Tuesday.
"That's why we take all the necessary precautions," he said.
Gov. Beshear also revealed several Kentucky counties are in what the White House considers the "yellow zone," with a positivity rate between 5-10 percent.
Fayette, Jessamine and Madison counties were all labeled as in the "yellow zone."
