An uptick in coronavirus cases is being seen in many counties across the Commonwealth. A health official in southeast Kentucky says COVID is not the only disease drawing attention.
Kentucky River District Health Director Scott Lockard said COVID numbers have been increasing. He said Lee County schools canceled classes for a period in August due to various respiratory illnesses. For coronavirus, Lockard noted those who test positive should still isolate for ten days. He added you can come out of isolation early with a negative test and no symptoms.
“But you should still wear a well-fitting mask for day six through ten, so you can come out after day five if you test negative and your symptoms resolve..but please wear a mask for the remaining five days,” said Lockard.
Lockard said flu vaccines are readily available in many areas including a high-dose option. He said health officials got word the newly developed COVID vaccine should be shipped shortly and be at health departments and doctor offices by the end of the month.
The district covers seven counties in southeast Kentucky. Lockard said the potential for respiratory illnesses is year-round.
“It’s like 20 years ago it seemed like we had our typical flu season start in October November and pretty much be over by February or March, but we just don’t see that anymore like that. It’s just a…the respiratory season seems to start earlier and end later,” said Lockard.
Lockard said mask-wearing remains a good precautionary measure to take when it comes to respiratory diseases.
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