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FRANKFORT – On Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the state’s highest-ever number of newly reported deaths, while also noting that the state’s positivity rate decreased.

“We still have too many cases, but it does appear we are seeing a decline from our highest week ever. Our positivity rate is down again. Far higher than we want, but this is a good trend,” said Gov. Beshear. “The hard part though about today’s report is it’s the most deaths we ever announced.”

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 3,728
New deaths today: 58
Positivity rate: 11.05%
Total deaths: 3,301
Currently hospitalized: 1,604
Currently in ICU: 395
Currently on ventilator: 209

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Fayette, Kenton, Boone, Hardin, Warren and Daviess. Each of these counties reported 125 or more new cases; Jefferson County alone reported 604.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.

The Governor noted Kentucky’s COVID-19 mortality rate (1%) is lower than the national (1.7%) and world (2.2%) averages.

“This I think is a testament to providing education to Kentuckians about this virus and about what to do if you contract it. And it’s a testament to our health care workers,” said Gov. Beshear. “You’ve done your commonwealth and your country proud.”

He also asked both Kentuckians and health care providers to be patient throughout the COVID-19 vaccine roll out.

“Splitting vaccine shipments into really small quantities just wouldn’t make sense, and would slow us down,” said Gov. Beshear. “That’s why we’re distributing by region, by population. This is not a competition, this is about us trying to find the right partners for the right phase.”

The Governor also shared a remembrance of one Kentuckian lost to COVID-19.

“Today, we share the story of Peggy Lynn Davis from Ashland, Ky. She was only 67 years old when she passed away on Friday from COVID-19,” said Gov. Beshear. “Peggy was loved by all, and her family saw that through the outpouring of wonderful stories about her after her death.

“Born and raised in Ashland, Peggy worked in health care and built her own successful business, even being recognized nationally. Despite this, Peggy always downplayed her professional accolades, saying her greatest accomplishments were her children.

“Now mourning Peggy’s loss are her husband, Robert Davis, their three sons, Bobby, JP and Wesley, and her three grandchildren.

“Her family said Peggy will be remembered as a selfless mother, not just to her family, but to everyone she cared for throughout her life. Today our thoughts and prayers are with Robert, Bobby, JP and Wesley.”

Tomorrow at 2 p.m. EST, Gov. Beshear, First Lady Britainy Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman will honor Kentucky’s victims of COVID-19 in an outdoor ceremony. The memorial will include members of the Kentucky State Police Honor Guard as well as a performance by baritone Keith Dean of Frankfort.

The Governor, First Lady and Lieutenant Governor will also plant the final flags in a sea of more than 3,000 flags representing each Kentuckian lost to the virus.

The Adair County Fiscal Court is expected to take up the issue of increasing revenue during next week’s meeting, and plans are in place to allow the public to attend.
At last week’s meeting, members of the court said they would have to take action soon to increase revenue and the discussion centered around proposing an insurance premium tax.

Judge Executive Gale Cowan said Tuesday that the meeting would be opened to the public as long as there is not a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in the county. Should more restrictions be needed, Cowan said steps would be taken to restrict the number of people in the meeting at a time but also allow individuals to be able to access data and voice concerns.

If a first reading to establish a new revenue stream is approved during the meeting, Cowan said a public hearing would be scheduled within social distancing guidelines.

“I am going to do everything I can to have our meetings open,” Cowan said.
The fiscal court meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the courthouse annex. Be watching adairvoice.com for any updates or changes.

 

Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2021
From Lake Cumberland District Health Department:

Statewide Testing Positivity Rate: 11.55%.

Deaths: We regret we must report 3 new deaths today. We have experienced a total of 302 deaths resulting in a 1.82% mortality rate (about 1 in 55) among known cases. This compares with a 0.97% mortality rate at the state level, and a 1.66% mortality rate at the national level. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families and friends who have lost loved ones.

Hospitalizations: We presently have 89 cases in the hospital. This is 6 more than what we reported yesterday. We have had a total of 935 hospitalizations resulting in a 5.64% hospitalization rate (about 1 in 18) among known cases. The state hospitalization rate is 4.67%. The latest data shows that 88.89% of Lake Cumberland’s ICU beds are filled, and 26.92% of ventilator capacity is being utilized.

Total (Cumulative) Cases: The Lake Cumberland District has experienced a total of 16,577 cases since the onset of the outbreak. This means that 7.94% of our total population have been a confirmed case. However, we do not know how many additional people may have had COVID-19 and were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and never tested.

Released (Not contagious) Cases: We released 124 cases today from isolation. Released cases include: Adair: 4; Casey: 6; Clinton: 11; Cumberland: 3; Green: 5; McCreary: 26; Pulaski: 33; Russell: 2; Taylor: 16; and, Wayne: 18. In all, we have released 93.4% of our total cases.

Active (Current) Cases: We added 10 more cases today than we had deceased and/or released cases. This leaves us with 791 active cases in our district across all 10 of our district’s 10 counties. On 12/10/2020 we were at our peak number of active cases, 1,340.

Where Did Cases Visit Prior to Isolation: The most common places cases visited prior to isolation are (in descending order): Businesses, Family, Schools, and Medical Facilities. We have had 65 cases tied to Christmas gaterings, 43 tied to Thanksgiving gatherings, and 15 tied to New Year’s events. Of our active cases, 16% can not be tied back to another known case (community-spread cases).

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 137 today: Adair: 5; Casey: 8; Clinton: 14; Cumberland: 12; Green: 9; McCreary: 3; Pulaski: 53; Russell: 4; Taylor: 10; and, Wayne: 19. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.007. This means our total case count is projected to double every 96.09 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 12/30/2020 when we added 301 cases. Today’s new cases include:

Adair: A 37-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 46-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 62-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 39-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Adair: A 65-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 57-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 52-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 43-year-old female who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Casey: A 51-year-old female who is hospitalized, Asymptomatic;
Casey: A 11-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 21-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 24-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 64-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 67-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 57-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 22-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 19-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 7-year-old female who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Clinton: A 28-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 79-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 21-year-old female who is released, resolved;
Clinton: A 74-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 31-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 71-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 45-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 30-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 54-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 29-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 70-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 56-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 51-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 15-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 52-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 1-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 32-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 3-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 5-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 66-year-old female who is self-isolated, 11/20/20;
Cumberland: A 53-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Green: A 8-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Green: A 1-year-old female who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Green: A 64-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Green: A 52-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Green: A 72-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Green: A 45-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Green: A 24-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Green: A 79-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Green: A 61-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 34-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 57-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 56-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 37-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 29-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 49-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 61-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 28-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 21-year-old male who is self-isolated, unknown;
Pulaski: A 60-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 49-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 79-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 24-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 61-year-old female who is released, 1/18/21;
Pulaski: A 24-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Pulaski: A 77-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 35-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 3-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 9-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Pulaski: A 20-year-old male who is self-isolated, Lost to follow up;
Pulaski: A 57-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 27-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 47-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 57-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 48-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 18-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 64-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 59-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 23-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 64-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 47-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 16-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 48-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 24-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 25-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 31-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 8-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 9-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 8-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 35-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Pulaski: A 52-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 48-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 24-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 20-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 54-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 49-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 26-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 42-year-old female who is hospitalized, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 66-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 74-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 38-year-old female who is self-isolated, unknown;
Pulaski: A 73-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 31-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 60-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 40-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 17-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 53-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 11-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 38-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 19-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 47-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 57-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 38-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 25-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 65-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 30-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 56-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 23-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 18-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 51-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 58-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 85-year-old female who is hospitalized, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 67-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 35-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 56-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 55-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 47-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 6-year-old female who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Wayne: A 9-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 54-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 57-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 63-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 25-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 1-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 41-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 65-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 64-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 47-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 20-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;

The deaths we announce today are: an 86-year-old individual from McCreary; a 92-year-old individual from McCreary; and a 78-year-old individual from Pulaski who had been hospitalized.

While our new case rate does continue to slow relative to last week, all our counties are still in the “red-critical” range of community spread. With that much spread, if we are not all vigilant with following the guidance, the disease can quickly ramp back up. Please do not become complacent. Please, let’s all do our part in slowing the spread of COVID-19 by wearing our face coverings, avoiding crowds (especially in confined spaces), social distancing when around others, increasing our hand hygiene, increasing our general sanitation, and by avoiding the touching of our faces.

The Lake Cumberland area has experienced 16,577 cumulative confirmed cases and there have been 331,521 confirmed COVID-19 cases across all 120 Kentucky Counties as of today (this includes 330,907 statewide plus 614 recently reported cases in Lake Cumberland not in the Governor’s/Department for Public Health’s daily report). Regardless of the confirmed case count for any Lake Cumberland County, we believe COVID-19 to be widespread. The LCDHD is working tirelessly, including nights and weekends, to identify and contact all those with whom any positive case may have come into close contact, and to follow-up with positive cases when ready to be released. Additionally, we are striving diligently to follow-up on business-related complaints regarding noncompliance with the Governor’s Executive Orders. We are also working with any community partner that requests assistance for prevention or post-exposure planning/response. Finally, we are working with all community partners regarding vaccination planning.

COVID-19 Vaccination Status

Here is an article we recently published: COVID-19 Vaccine, Patience is Needed.

The Lake Cumberland area will contiue in Phase 1a of our COVID-19 response, but will now also be expanding into 1b, first responders and school staff. Also, do not forget about the federal contract with Walgreens and CVS pharmacies to vaccinate the long-term care facilities and personal care homes — residents and staff.

We are not pre-registering for future vaccination phases currently, as vaccines are not readily available at the local health departments.

Added to the 500 doses per week Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital will still be receiving, our area is expected to receive COVID-19 vaccine for the Adair, Casey, and Clinton County school staff this week. The week of January 25th we expect vaccine for school staff in Cumberland, Green, Russell, and Wayne, along with part of the school staff in Pulaski. The week of February 1st, we expect to receive vaccine for the school staff in McCreary and the remainder of Pulaski. The push to vaccinate school staff will likely tie up most of the state’s vaccine supply during these weeks.

As we learn more, we will post it.

https://www.lcdhd.org/info-tools/health-assessments-and-statistics/health_report_card/covid19-state-wide-outbreak-2/covid-19-media-public/daily-brief/

Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021
From The City of Columbia:

News Release (Columbia, Kentucky)

The City of Columbia is asking for suggestions for the new park scheduled on Burkesville Street. “We want this to be a community effort,” said Pamela Hoots, Mayor.

The city recently received a grant for planning and design for the new park. A survey with possible options is now available to the public.

The survey will need to be submitted to city hall by Friday, February 5.

For further information, please contact city hall at 270-384-2501.

 

The Adair County Middle School Academic team competed in the Governor’s Cup District championship on Saturday, and the team finished as the 2021 district champions. The competition featured district opponent schools from the surrounding area with students competing in quick recall and future problem solving as team events, and individual students competing in mathematics, science, social studies, language arts, arts and humanities and composition.

The team won both the quick recall and future problem solving titles. Quick recall team members are Bailey Watts, Joseph Kotter, Andrew Zinati, Angelica Bell, Jay Burton, Hannah Kotter, Samantha Oliver and Natalea Kaylor. The future problem solving team consisted of Joseph Kotter, Abigail Kemp, Hannah Kotter and Natalea Kaylor.

In addition, several ACMS students took home a top five finish in their individual events. Bailey Watts won first place in both the language arts and arts and humanities competitions. Joining her in the top five in language arts was Jay Burton, who finished fourth in the event.

Adair also had two competitors who finished in the top five in arts and humanities as Samantha Oliver took home fourth place in the event while Angelica Bell captured fifth place overall.

The team also claimed first place finishes in science and social studies with Andrew Zinati leading the charge with a district championship in each subject. Joseph Kotter joined Zinati in the awards ceremony by grabbing third place in social studies. Angelica Bell got her second individual medal of the day as well by earning fifth place in the event.

In mathematics, the team was led by brothers Tristin Andrews and Trevir Andrews who finished in second and third place respectively. In composition, the team earned another regional qualifier when Mia Schneider won fourth place in her event.

With their finishes at district, all competitors and teams earned the right to advance to regional championship on Saturday, Jan. 30.

 

Monday, Jan. 18, 2021
From Lake Cumberland District Health Department:

Statewide Testing Positivity Rate: 11.64%.

Deaths: We are sad to report 4 new deaths today. We have experienced a total of 299 deaths resulting in a 1.82% mortality rate (about 1 in 55) among known cases. This compares with a 0.96% mortality rate at the state level, and a 1.66% mortality rate at the national level. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families and friends who have lost loved ones.

Hospitalizations: We presently have 83 cases in the hospital. This is 3 more than what we reported yesterday. We have had a total of 930 hospitalizations resulting in a 5.66% hospitalization rate (about 1 in 18) among known cases. The state hospitalization rate is 4.67%. The latest data shows that 84.44% of Lake Cumberland’s ICU beds are filled, and 38.18% of ventilator capacity is being utilized.

Total (Cumulative) Cases: The Lake Cumberland District has experienced a total of 16,440 cases since the onset of the outbreak. This means that 7.87% of our total population have been a confirmed case. However, we do not know how many additional people may have had COVID-19 and were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and never tested.

Released (Not contagious) Cases: We released 129 cases today from isolation. Released cases include: Adair: 3; Casey: 14; Clinton: 16; Cumberland: 1; Green: 9; McCreary: 9; Pulaski: 46; Russell: 9; Taylor: 12; and, Wayne: 10. In all, we have released 93.4% of our total cases.

Active (Current) Cases: Taking into account deaths and releases, our active cases decreased by 55 more than the new cases we added today. This leaves us with 781 active cases in our district across all 10 of our district’s 10 counties. On 12/10/2020 we were at our peak number of active cases, 1,340.

Where Did Cases Visit Prior to Isolation: The most common places cases visited prior to isolation are (in descending order): Businesses, Family, Schools, and Long-term Care/Residential Facilities. We have had 65 cases tied to Christmas gaterings, 43 tied to Thanksgiving gatherings, and 15 tied to New Year’s events. Of our active cases, 16% can not be tied back to another known case (community-spread cases).

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 78 today: Adair: 5; Casey: 7; Clinton: 6; Cumberland: 8; Green: 3; McCreary: 2; Pulaski: 21; Russell: 9; Taylor: 7; and, Wayne: 10. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.008. This means our total case count is projected to double every 91.57 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 12/30/2020 when we added 301 cases. Today’s new cases include:

Adair: A 18-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 63-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 22-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 30-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 81-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 12-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 58-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 57-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 51-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 68-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 35-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 61-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 58-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 49-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Clinton: A 54-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 18-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 14-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 71-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 84-year-old male who is hospitalized, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 59-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 72-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 68-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 26-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 6-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 3-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Cumberland: A 7-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Green: A 27-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Green: A 80-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Green: A 19-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 76-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 81-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 68-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 26-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 54-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 72-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 23-year-old male who is hospitalized, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 59-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 53-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 65-year-old male who is hospitalized, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 40-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 73-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 24-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 54-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 83-year-old female who is released, 1/17/21;
Pulaski: A 45-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 36-year-old female who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Pulaski: A 19-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 58-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 55-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 25-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 35-year-old male who is self-isolated, Unknown;
Pulaski: A 79-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 71-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 16-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 60-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 68-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 65-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 70-year-old male who is hospitalized, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 63-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 67-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 30-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 84-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 20-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 68-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 13-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Taylor: A 82-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 17-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 31-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 48-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 34-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 50-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 48-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 37-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 66-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 27-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 65-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 19-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 55-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;

After several days of no new COVID-19 related deaths, we unfortunately must report 4 new deaths today: a 64-year-old individual from Clinton who had been hospitalized; a 76-year-old individual from Pulaski who had been hospitalized; a 64-year-old individual from Pulaski who had been hospitalized, who had been released from public health observation as no longer contagious, but later succumbed to lasting complications from the illness; and a 63-year-old individual from Wayne who had been hospitalized.

We are glad our cases are still trending downward. Until the vaccine is widely available, let’s all do our part in slowing the spread of COVID-19 by wearing our face coverings, avoiding crowds (especially in confined spaces), social distancing when around others, increasing our hand hygiene, increasing our general sanitation, and by avoiding touching our faces.

The Lake Cumberland area has experienced 16,440 cumulative confirmed cases and there have been 329,240 confirmed COVID-19 cases across all 120 Kentucky Counties as of today (this includes 328,668 statewide plus 572 recently reported cases in Lake Cumberland not in the Governor’s/Department for Public Health’s daily report). Regardless of the confirmed case count for any Lake Cumberland County, we believe COVID-19 to be widespread. The LCDHD is working tirelessly, including nights and weekends, to identify and contact all those with whom any positive case may have come into close contact, and to follow-up with positive cases when ready to be released. Additionally, we are striving diligently to follow-up on business-related complaints regarding noncompliance with the Governor’s Executive Orders. We are also working with any community partner that requests assistance for prevention or post-exposure planning/response. Finally, we are working with all community partners regarding vaccination planning.

COVID-19 Vaccination Status

Here is an article we recently published: COVID-19 Vaccine, Patience is Needed.

The Lake Cumberland area will contiue in Phase 1a of our COVID-19 response, but will now also be expanding into 1b, first responders and school staff. Also, do not forget about the federal contract with Walgreens and CVS pharmacies to vaccinate the long-term care facilities and personal care homes — residents and staff.

We are not pre-registering for future vaccination phases currently, as vaccines are not readily available at the local health departments.

Added to the 500 doses per week Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital will still be receiving, our area is expected to receive COVID-19 vaccine for the Adair, Casey, and Clinton County school staff this week. The week of January 25th we expect vaccine for school staff in Cumberland, Green, Russell, and Wayne, along with part of the school staff in Pulaski. The week of February 1st, we expect to receive vaccine for the school staff in McCreary and the remainder of Pulaski. The push to vaccinate school staff will likely tie up most of the state’s vaccine supply during these weeks.

https://www.lcdhd.org/info-tools/health-assessments-and-statistics/health_report_card/covid19-state-wide-outbreak-2/covid-19-media-public/daily-brief/

Brandon Jones, 35, of Columbia is facing several charges, including felonies, after an investigation by the Adair County Sheriff’s Office.

In December, the sheriff’s department initiated an investigation into the theft of personal identification information, including social security number, of an Adair County resident.

The deputies worked with credit card companies to identify retailers where the card was used. After reviewing video footage from the retailers, the deputies were able to identify Jones as the person using the card.

A warrant was sworn out for his arrest.

On Sunday, Jan. 17, the sheriff’s office received information as to where Jones might be and deputies Brandon Hitch, Derek Padgett and Josh Durbin began a search approximately 10 miles east of Columbia, in the Sano community.

Around 1 a.m., the deputies approached a residence, but started the pursuit of a vehicle that fled from the residence upon their arrival. Jones was later apprehended on Free Union Road, near the Russell County line.

Jones, currently in the Adair County Jail, was arrested on warrants and additional charges stemming from the chase.

He is being charged with theft of identity, felony; fleeing and evading police, first degree, felony; possession of a controlled substance methamphetamine, first degree, felony; possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering with physical evidence, felony; reckless driving, wanton endangerment, second degree, felony; disregarding a stop sign, failure to illuminate headlights, and criminal littering.

Sheriff Josh Brockman assisted the deputies on scene and the investigation continues.

Officers of the Columbia Police Department responded to a two-vehicle collision with injury, Jan. 14, at the intersection of Edmonton Road and Burkesville Street. Prior to the collision, Adair County 911 had been receiving multiple calls from the West 80, Edmonton Road area concerning a reckless driver operating a late model white Buick.

The operator of the Buick, Constantine Consequences, 34, Edmonton, struck a white Ford Ranger operated by Ronnie Wray, 66, of Columbia, head on. Both subjects were transported by Adair County EMS to TJ Samson Columbia. Consequences was later taken to the University of Kentucky for further treatment.

Consequences has been charged with DUI, no out of state registration, no insurance, and possession of marijuana.

Officer Ethan Pike investigated the collision and was assisted by additional Columbia Police officers, Fish and Wildlife, as well as the Breeding Fire Department.

Bradley West, 49, of Columbia was arrested Jan. 15 on multiple charges.

Columbia Police officers responded to Harper Valley Trailer Court, off Tutt Street on Jan. 15, when a male subject called reporting a stolen handgun. Upon making contact with the caller, West, he was found to be intoxicated. He continued to insist a neighbor had stolen his gun.

While officers were on the scene, West went to his vehicle and retrieved a shotgun shouting he was going to get his property himself. Officers were able to quickly subdue him without incident.

West has been charged with alcohol intoxication, falsely reporting an incident, and wanton endangerment of police officers. After West was placed into custody, a search of his residence yielded a handgun in the exact spot West stated his gun was stolen from.

Officer Trevor Foster was the arresting officer and was assisted on the scene by officer Evan Burton and deputy Josh Durbin.

Joshua Akin, 31, of Columbia has been arrested with trafficking in a controlled substance methamphetamine over two grams, and resisting arrest.

Officers from the Columbia Police Department were called to assist Adair County EMS on a possible drug overdose on Mitchell Street, Saturday morning, Jan. 16.

Upon arrival, the male resident of home was found to be in possession of 26 grams of suspected methamphetamine, as well as various paraphernalia, including baggies and scales.

Officer Gary Roy was the arresting officer and was assisted on scene by officer Ethan Pike and Adair County EMS personnel.

Joseph Turner, 58, of Columbia was arrested Jan. 14 on felony drug charges after a traffic stop approximately 10 miles north of town in the Coburg Community.

Adair County Sheriff’s Deputy Josh Durbin initiated the stop of Turner in his 1999 Dodge truck around 5:02 a.m.

During the stop, Durbin determined there was probably cause to believe there were narcotics in the vehicle. While searching, Durbin found methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

Turner was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail on charges of possession of controlled substance, first degree methamphetamine; possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia

The case remains under investigation.

Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021
From Lake Cumberland District Health Department:

Statewide Testing Positivity Rate: 11.49%.

Deaths: We are happy to report no new deaths today. We have experienced a total of 295 deaths resulting in a 1.8% mortality rate (about 1 in 56) among known cases. This compares with a 0.96% mortality rate at the state level, and a 1.66% mortality rate at the national level.

Hospitalizations: We presently have 80 cases in the hospital. This is 6 more than what we reported yesterday. We have had a total of 923 hospitalizations resulting in a 5.64% hospitalization rate (about 1 in 18) among known cases. The state hospitalization rate is 4.68%. The latest data shows that 88.89% of Lake Cumberland’s ICU beds are filled, and 40% of ventilator capacity is being utilized.

Total (Cumulative) Cases: The Lake Cumberland District has experienced a total of 16,362 cases since the onset of the outbreak. This means that 7.83% of our total population have been a confirmed case. However, we do not know how many additional people may have had COVID-19 and were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and never tested.

Released (Not contagious) Cases: We released 116 cases today from isolation. Released cases include: Adair: 7; Casey: 7; Clinton: 10; Cumberland: 3; Green: 8; McCreary: 3; Pulaski: 41; Russell: 13; Taylor: 15; and, Wayne: 9. In all, we have released 93.1% of our total cases.

Active (Current) Cases: Taking into account deaths and releases, our active cases decreased by 54 more than the new cases we added today. This leaves us with 836 active cases in our district across all 10 of our district’s 10 counties. On 12/10/2020 we were at our peak number of active cases, 1,340.

Where Did Cases Visit Prior to Isolation: The most common places cases visited prior to isolation are (in descending order): Businesses, Family, Schools, and Long-term Care/Residential Facilities. We have had 65 cases tied to Christmas gaterings, 43 tied to Thanksgiving gatherings, and 15 tied to New Year’s events. Of our active cases, 16% can not be tied back to another known case (community-spread cases).

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 62 today: Adair: 1; Casey: 5; Clinton: 2; Cumberland: 3; Green: 2; Pulaski: 41; Taylor: 6; and, Wayne: 2. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.008. This means our total case count is projected to double every 85.05 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 12/30/2020 when we added 301 cases. Today’s new cases include:

Adair: A 55-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 50-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 35-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Casey: A 25-year-old female who is self-isolated, unknown;
Casey: A 4-year-old male who is self-isolated, unknown;
Casey: A 37-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 36-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 31-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 66-year-old female who is self-isolated, unknown;
Cumberland: A 72-year-old male who is self-isolated, unknown;
Cumberland: A 70-year-old female who is self-isolated, unknown;
Green: A 31-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Green: A 57-year-old female who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Pulaski: A 61-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 44-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 18-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 87-year-old female who is hospitalized, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 41-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 72-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 67-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 12-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 69-year-old female who is hospitalized, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 34-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 66-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 34-year-old female who is self-isolated, unknown;
Pulaski: A 16-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 68-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 50-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 14-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 52-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 83-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 26-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 38-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 37-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 68-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 20-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 43-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 36-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 62-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 47-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 44-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 42-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 9-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 55-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 36-year-old male who is self-isolated, unknown;
Pulaski: A 71-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 65-year-old male who is self-isolated, unknown;
Pulaski: A 54-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 11 Months-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 69-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 67-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 74-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 63-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 78-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 81-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 69-year-old female who is hospitalized, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 17-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 53-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 21-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 81-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 44-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 74-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;

We are happy to report no new deaths today and fewer new cases today than last Sunday. Our hospitalizations, though, remain high at 80. Until the vaccine is widly available, let’s all do our part in slowing the spread of COVID-19 by wearing our face coverings, avoiding crowds (especially in confined spaces), social distancing when around others, increasing our hand hygiene, increasing our general sanitation, and by avoiding touching our faces.

The Lake Cumberland area has experienced 16,362 cumulative confirmed cases and there have been 327,263 confirmed COVID-19 cases across all 120 Kentucky Counties as of today (this includes 326,675 statewide plus 588 recently reported cases in Lake Cumberland not in the Governor’s/Department for Public Health’s daily report). Regardless of the confirmed case count for any Lake Cumberland County, we believe COVID-19 to be widespread. The LCDHD is working tirelessly, including nights and weekends, to identify and contact all those with whom any positive case may have come into close contact, and to follow-up with positive cases when ready to be released. Additionally, we are striving diligently to follow-up on business-related complaints regarding noncompliance with the Governor’s Executive Orders. We are also working with any community partner that requests assistance for prevention or post-exposure planning/response. Finally, we are working with all community partners regarding vaccination planning.

COVID-19 Vaccination Status

Here is an article we recently published: COVID-19 Vaccine, Patience is Needed.

The Lake Cumberland area remains largely in Phase 1a of our COVID-19 response. This includes vaccines for healthcare workers and first responders. Let us also not forget about the federal contract with Walgreens and CVS pharmacies to vaccinate the long-term care facilities and personal care homes — residents and staff.

We are not pre-registering for future vaccination phases currently, as vaccines are not readily available at the local health departments.

According to the Governor, the next big push of the COVID-19 vaccine will be to vaccinate school faculty and staff. While the Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital will still, at least for the near future, be receiving 500 doses per week as a regional COVID-19 Center, much of the remaining supply of vaccine over the next few weeks will likely be tied up with the effort to vaccinate school personnel.

https://www.lcdhd.org/info-tools/health-assessments-and-statistics/health_report_card/covid19-state-wide-outbreak-2/covid-19-media-public/daily-brief/

 

 

 

SATURDAY, JAN. 16, 2021:

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 114 today: Adair: 13; Casey: 13; Clinton: 1; Cumberland: 5; Green: 4; McCreary: 17; Pulaski: 22; Russell: 12; Taylor: 18; and, Wayne: 9. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.008. This means our total case count is projected to double every 82.66 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 12/30/2020 when we added 301 cases. Today’s new cases include:

Adair: A 65-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 45-year-old male who is self-isolated, Unknown;
Adair: A 31-year-old male who is self-isolated, Unknown;
Adair: A 22-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 38-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 42-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 14-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 21-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 17-year-old female who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Adair: A 35-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 24-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 35-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 63-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;

FRIDAY, JAN. 15, 2021:

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 138 today: Adair: 9; Casey: 9; Clinton: 10; Cumberland: 3; Green: 9; McCreary: 3; Pulaski: 56; Russell: 12; Taylor: 18; and, Wayne: 9. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.009. This means our total case count is projected to double every 79.37 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 12/30/2020 when we added 301 cases. Today’s new cases include:

Adair: A 60-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 6-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 31-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 5-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 21-year-old female who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Adair: A 76-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 67-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 66-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 19-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;

Statewide Testing Positivity Rate: 12.34%.

Deaths: We regret we must report 8 new deaths today. We have experienced a total of 294 deaths resulting in a 1.83% mortality rate (about 1 in 55) among known cases. This compares with a 0.96% mortality rate at the state level, and a 1.67% mortality rate at the national level. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families and friends who have lost loved ones.

Hospitalizations: We presently have 63 cases in the hospital. This is 12 less than what we reported yesterday. We have had a total of 905 hospitalizations resulting in a 5.64% hospitalization rate (about 1 in 18) among known cases. The state hospitalization rate is 4.73%. The latest data shows that 95.56% of Lake Cumberland’s ICU beds are filled, and 31.58% of ventilator capacity is being utilized.

Total (Cumulative) Cases: The Lake Cumberland District has experienced a total of 16,048 cases since the onset of the outbreak. This means that 7.68% of our total population have been a confirmed case. However, we do not know how many additional people may have had COVID-19 and were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and never tested.

Released (Not contagious) Cases: We released 163 cases today from isolation. Released cases include: Adair: 10; Casey: 5; Clinton: 16; Cumberland: 7; Green: 5; McCreary: 9; Pulaski: 55; Russell: 7; Taylor: 30; and, Wayne: 19. In all, we have released 92.3% of our total cases.

Active (Current) Cases: Taking into account deaths and releases, our active cases decreased by 56 more than the new cases we added today. This leaves us with 940 active cases in our district across all 10 of our district’s 10 counties. On 12/10/2020 we were at our peak number of active cases, 1,340.

Where Did Cases Visit Prior to Isolation: The most common places cases visited prior to isolation are (in descending order): Businesses, Schools, Family, and Long-term Care/Residential Facilities. We have had 65 cases tied to Christmas gaterings, 43 tied to Thanksgiving gatherings, and 13 tied to New Year’s events. Of our active cases, 13% can not be tied back to another known case (community-spread cases).

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 115 today: Adair: 11; Casey: 9; Clinton: 12; Cumberland: 4; Green: 7; McCreary: 10; Pulaski: 39; Russell: 3; Taylor: 11; and, Wayne: 9. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.01. This means our total case count is projected to double every 70.9 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 12/30/2020 when we added 301 cases. Today’s new cases include:

Adair: A 45-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Adair: A 3-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 51-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 33-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 26-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 22-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 62-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 69-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 23-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 1-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 33-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 22-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 25-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 37-year-old male who is self-isolated, unknown;
Casey: A 62-year-old male who is self-isolated, unknown;
Casey: A 60-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 65-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 74-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 24-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 51-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 13-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 31-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 81-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 29-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 68-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 68-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 49-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 17-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 31-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 29-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 7-year-old male who is released, 1/13/21;
Clinton: A 21-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 76-year-old female who is self-isolated, unknown;
Cumberland: A 31-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 63-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 10-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Green: A 65-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Green: A 29-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Green: A 21-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Green: A 72-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Green: A 59-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Green: A 44-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Green: A 1-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 57-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 64-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 27-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 32-year-old female who is self-isolated, Lost to follow up;
McCreary: A 64-year-old male who is self-isolated, Lost to follow up;
McCreary: A 66-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 26-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 94-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 95-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 81-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 68-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 55-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 28-year-old female who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Pulaski: A 62-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Pulaski: A 10-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Pulaski: A 22-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Pulaski: A 38-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 69-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 55-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 21-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Pulaski: A 27-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 74-year-old male who is hospitalized, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 25-year-old female who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Pulaski: A 52-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 40-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 52-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 26-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 49-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Pulaski: A 53-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 12-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 64-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 45-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 49-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 32-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 48-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 26-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 45-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 24-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 75-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 61-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 29-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 32-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Pulaski: A 35-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Pulaski: A 29-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Pulaski: A 4-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 33-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 74-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 25-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 16-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 52-year-old female who is hospitalized, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 70-year-old male who is hospitalized, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 68-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 21-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 69-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 4-year-old female who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Taylor: A 58-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 63-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Taylor: A 72-year-old female who is released, resolved;
Taylor: A 46-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 19-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 62-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 24-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 22-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 13-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 57-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 21-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 72-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 22-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 17-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 44-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 21-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 19-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 49-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;

A close look at our data will appear that McCreary’s numbers are off. This is because we deleted 1 duplicate today.

The deaths we report today are: a 78-year-old individual from Casey who had been hospitalized; a 76-year-old individual from Clinton who had been hospitalized; a 67-year-old individual from Clinton who had been hospitalized, who had been released from public health observation as no longer contagious, but later succumbed to lasting complications from the disease; a 70-year-old individual from Cumberland who had been hospitalized; a 69-year-old individual from Pulaski who had been released from public health observation as no longer contagious, but later succumbed to lasting complications from the disease; an 81-year-old individual from Wayne; an 83-year-old individual from Wayne who had been hospitalized; and a 70 year-old individual from Wayne who had been hospitalized.

As far as a vaccine update, the Governor just announced that the next big push will be to vaccinate school faculty and staff. Much of the state’s vaccine supply may be tied up with this effort for the next few weeks. As we learn more, we will post it. Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital will still be receiving 500 doses per week. Watch their Facebook page to see when they will be scheduling appointments for those. Keep in mind, the demand is much greater than the present supply. My understanding is that, for their last shipment, they scheduled all 500 slots in a very few minutes.

Cases are still trending lower than last week. However, hospital capacity across the state, and especially in our district, remains a major concern. Let’s all do our part in slowing the spread of COVID-19 by wearing our face coverings, avoiding crowds (especially in confined spaces), social distancing when around others, increasing our hand hygiene, increasing our general sanitation, and by avoiding touching our faces.

The Lake Cumberland area has experienced 16,048 cumulative confirmed cases and there have been 318,041 confirmed COVID-19 cases across all 120 Kentucky Counties as of today (this includes 317,345 statewide plus 696 recently reported cases in Lake Cumberland not in the Governor’s/Department for Public Health’s daily report). Regardless of the confirmed case count for any Lake Cumberland County, we believe COVID-19 to be widespread. The LCDHD is working tirelessly, including nights and weekends, to identify and contact all those with whom any positive case may have come into close contact, and to follow-up with positive cases when ready to be released. Additionally, we are striving diligently to follow-up on business-related complaints regarding noncompliance with the Governor’s Executive Orders. We are also working with any community partner that requests assistance for prevention or post-exposure planning/response. Finally, we are working with all community partners regarding vaccination planning.

COVID-19 Vaccination Status

Here is an article we published this morning: COVID-19 Vaccine, Patience is Needed. As soon as we have additonal information, we will post it.

LCDHD is currently operating in Phase 1a of our COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan. This includes vaccines for healthcare workers and first responders. We are not pre-registering for future vaccination phases at this time, as vaccines are not readily available. As soon as the state authorizes us to order Phase 1b vaccine, we will order it and set up clinics. Please follow this website and the LCDHD social media sites such as Facebook for details about future vaccine availability once additional vaccine is received. Also, don’t forget about the contract with Walgreens and CVS pharmacies to vaccinate the long-term care facilities and personal care homes — residents and staff.

https://www.lcdhd.org/info-tools/health-assessments-and-statistics/health_report_card/covid19-state-wide-outbreak-2/covid-19-media-public/daily-brief/

After a successful and safe fall semester, Lindsey Wilson College is ready to welcome students back to campus.

LWC released plans for the spring 2021 semester last week with an updated Safe Return to Campus Playbook for the second half of the academic year. The playbook includes revised operating protocols and procedures for students, faculty and staff to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on the A.P. White Campus and keep the campus community safe.

Before returning to the A.P. White Campus students are required to self-quarantine and complete a daily health assessment for 10 consecutive days; provide a negative COVID test within three days of returning; or provide a release form if they have tested positive within the last 90 days.

All classes — online, extended campus, graduate, evening and traditional day college — will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 19; the last day to register or add a class for spring 2021 is Monday, Jan. 25. Classes on the A.P. White Campus will be delivered in a hybrid model that allows students to attend face-to-face for a portion of their class and to receive remaining instruction via an online asynchronous approach. All students, faculty and staff will be required to complete a daily health assessment, wear face coverings, social distance and sanitize as necessary.

LWC President, William T. Luckey Jr., says LWC will continue to partner with the local health department and seek counseling from experienced medical professionals.

“Our Safe Return to Campus Playbook is intended to help our students and their families to understand the importance of the protocols we have put in place to ensure a safe experience for the students and the community,” said Luckey. “We hope everyone will take the time to review this informative guide.”

Men and women’s cross country, football, men and women’s soccer and women’s volleyball championships have been moved to the spring with championship dates to be announced in the coming weeks. LWC will follow the protocol and guidelines established by the Mid-South Conference for all competitions.

A limited number of family members on each student-athlete’s pass list will be allowed to attend home contests. Fans who are on the past list must still go through a screening process before admittance. All home events will be live-streamed for fans.

LWC’s COVID-19 crisis management team will closely monitor the on-going pandemic statewide and nationally. Existing protocols will be revised and mitigation strategies will be updated when necessary for the safety of students, faculty and staff. For more information about LWC’s action plans for safe in-person learning, or to read the full Safe Return to Campus Playbook, go to: www.lindsey.edu/LWCPlaybook.

“I know this academic year has been unlike any other,” Luckey said. “But I remain optimistic about the plans we have put in place for the spring semester. I am eager to see our Blue Raiders on campus as we work together to finish out this academic year stronger than ever.

For more information about Lindsey Wilson College or to read the LWC action plan for a safe return to campus, visit www.lindsey.edu or call 1-800-264-0138.

 

FRANKFORT  – The Senate Majority Caucus has announced the committee assignments for the 2021 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly. Senator Max Wise (R-Campbellsville) will serve as the chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Education. He will also serve as the co-chairman of the Education Assessment & Accountability Review Subcommittee.

Additionally, Senator Wise will serve as a member on the Senate Standing Committees on Agriculture; Health & Welfare; and Transportation. He is also a liaison member on the Budget Review Subcommittee on Education

“I am honored to have been appointed to these committees, as both a member and a leader,” said Senator Wise. “This session will be unlike any other as we address issues regarding the pandemic and the annual state budget. I am eager to get to work with fellow lawmakers and stakeholders to address these issues and many others.”

Senate committee memberships are confirmed during the first of the session by the Senate Committee on Committees.

 

Monday, Jan. 11, 2021
From Lake Cumberland District Health Department:

Statewide Testing Positivity Rate: 12.35%.

Deaths: We are sad to report 3 new deaths today. We have experienced a total of 283 deaths resulting in a 1.81% mortality rate (about 1 in 55) among known cases. This compares with a 0.96% mortality rate at the state level, and a 1.67% mortality rate at the national level. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families and friends who have lost loved ones.

Hospitalizations: We presently have 65 cases in the hospital. This is 2 less than what we reported yesterday. We have had a total of 879 hospitalizations resulting in a 5.64% hospitalization rate (about 1 in 18) among known cases. The state hospitalization rate is 4.78%. The latest data shows that 91.11% of Lake Cumberland’s ICU beds are filled, and 31.67% of ventilator capacity is being utilized.

Total (Cumulative) Cases: The Lake Cumberland District has experienced a total of 15,594 cases since the onset of the outbreak. This means that 7.47% of our total population have been a confirmed case. However, we do not know how many additional people may have had COVID-19 and were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and never tested.

Released (Not contagious) Cases: We released 184 cases today from isolation. Released cases include: Adair: 6; Casey: 7; Clinton: 13; Cumberland: 10; Green: 3; McCreary: 14; Pulaski: 66; Russell: 11; Taylor: 37; and, Wayne: 17. In all, we have released 91.8% of our total cases.

Active (Current) Cases: Taking into account deaths and releases, our active cases decreased by 49 more than the new cases we added today. This leaves us with 994 active cases in our district across all 10 of our district’s 10 counties. On 12/10/2020 we were at our peak number of active cases, 1,340.

Where Did Cases Visit Prior to Isolation: The most common places cases visited prior to isolation are (in descending order): Businesses, Schools, Family, and Medical Facilities. We have had 63 cases tied to Christmas gaterings, 43 tied to Thanksgiving gatherings, and 13 tied to New Year’s events. Of our active cases, 10% can not be tied back to another known case (community-spread cases).

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 138 today: Adair: 5; Casey: 8; Clinton: 12; Cumberland: 2; Green: 3; McCreary: 9; Pulaski: 63; Russell: 12; Taylor: 11; and, Wayne: 13. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.014. This means our total case count is projected to double every 50.42 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 12/30/2020 when we added 301 cases. Today’s new cases include:

Adair: A 52-year-old female who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Adair: A 26-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 27-year-old female who is hospitalized, Asymptomatic;
Adair: A 14-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Adair: A 62-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 29-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 35-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 62-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 60-year-old male who is hospitalized, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 28-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 33-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 11-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 20-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 22-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 22-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 61-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 18-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 22-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 84-year-old female who is hospitalized, Asymptomatic;
Clinton: A 56-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 42-year-old female who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Clinton: A 6-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 10-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 58-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 80-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 56-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 25-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Green: A 39-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Green: A 56-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Green: A 75-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 45-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 24-year-old male who is released, Resolved;
McCreary: A 58-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 27-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 26-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 10-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 74-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 4-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 7-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 24-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 22-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 78-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 2-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 48-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 57-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 26-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 31-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 78-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 74-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 59-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 30-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 53-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 63-year-old male who is hospitalized, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 22-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 70-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 49-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 50-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 60-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 76-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 27-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 21-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 61-year-old male who is released, 11/30/20;
Pulaski: A 30-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 76-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 77-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 77-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 45-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 52-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 21-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 52-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 21-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 48-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 11-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 3-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 24-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 37-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 49-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 37-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 4-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 25-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 41-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 11-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 67-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 68-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 77-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 28-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 36-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 64-year-old male who is released, 1/10/21;
Pulaski: A 75-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 66-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 44-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 22-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 16-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 48-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 30-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 31-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 39-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 76-year-old female who is hospitalized, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 34-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 41-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 59-year-old female who is hospitalized, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 54-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 26-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 3-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 40-year-old female who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Russell: A 24-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 82-year-old female who is hospitalized, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 65-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 9-year-old female who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Russell: A 64-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 60-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 40-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 79-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 17-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 67-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 32-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 28-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 66-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 60-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 38-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 21-year-old female who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Taylor: A 55-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Taylor: A 96-year-old female who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Taylor: A 68-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 45-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 38-year-old female who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Wayne: A 24-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 43-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 45-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 49-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 17-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 45-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 55-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 4-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 23-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 26-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 56-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 49-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;

The deaths we report today are: a 70-year-old female from McCreary who had been hospitalized; an 83-year-old male, long-term care resident from Taylor; and an 88-year-old male from Wayne who had been hospitalized.

For most of the counties in our district, we have largely attended to the Phase 1a demand. We are ready to shift to Phase 1b. We have begun preliminary work with health partners and the schools to vaccinate school staff and have begun planning to vaccinate those 70 and over. However, we are still not authorized to order Phase 1b vaccine. Even when we do, it will likely trickle in resulting in it taking several weeks to work through Phase 1b.

For now , let’s all do our part in slowing the spread of COVID-19 by wearing our face coverings, avoiding crowds (especially in confined spaces), social distancing when around others, increasing our hand hygiene, increasing our general sanitation, and by avoiding the touching of our faces.

The Lake Cumberland area has experienced 15,594 cumulative confirmed cases and there have been 306,806 confirmed COVID-19 cases across all 120 Kentucky Counties as of today (this includes 305,707 statewide plus 1,099 recently reported cases in Lake Cumberland not in the Governor’s/Department for Public Health’s daily report). Regardless of the confirmed case count for any Lake Cumberland County, we believe COVID-19 to be widespread. The LCDHD is working tirelessly, including nights and weekends, to identify and contact all those with whom any positive case may have come into close contact, and to follow-up with positive cases when ready to be released. Additionally, we are striving diligently to follow-up on business-related complaints regarding noncompliance with the Governor’s Executive Orders. We are also working with any community partner that requests assistance for prevention or post-exposure planning/response. Finally, we are working with all community partners regarding vaccination planning.

COVID-19 Vaccination Status

LCDHD is currently operating in Phase 1a of our COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan. This includes vaccines for healthcare workers and first responders. We are not pre-registering for future vaccination phases at this time, as vaccines are not readily available. As soon as the state authorizes us to order Phase 1b vaccine, we will order it and set up clinics. Please follow this website and the LCDHD social media sites such as Facebook for details about future vaccine availability once additional vaccine is received. Also, don’t forget about the contract with Walgreens and CVS pharmacies to vaccinate the long-term care facilities and personal care homes — residents and staff.

https://www.lcdhd.org/info-tools/health-assessments-and-statistics/health_report_card/covid19-state-wide-outbreak-2/covid-19-media-public/daily-brief/?fbclid=IwAR3ohbNcrPnczKhek23NIgmh36rlwJV3hexZ0j6pPBIBWadp38iNm3ROMcU

Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced more than 2,000 new COVID-19 cases, condemned domestic terrorism and said General Assembly actions that would significantly limit the state’s ability to fight the deadly virus are dangerous and unfeasible.

“We’ve seen some bills move through the General Assembly that attempt to create new ways of addressing the coronavirus,” said Gov. Beshear. “One bill that passed attempted to put U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines into law as the law that could be enforced. Today I received a letter from Dr. Robert Redfield, CDC director, cautioning against this.”

“I want to make it clear that CDC guidance should not be interpreted as regulation; rather, they are meant as recommendations. It should be used in consideration for specific state and/or local regulations, but this guidance is meant to be flexible and adaptable,” Dr. Redfield said. “It is not meant to be prescriptive or interpreted as standards that can be regulated.”

The CDC consistently has backed the effectiveness of Gov. Beshear’s restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 in restaurants and bars, gyms, schools and other venues.

On Monday, Gov. Beshear also condemned domestic terrorists and a threat made at public health commissioner Dr. Steven Stack’s home.

“One of the ways we absolutely know what individuals attempted to do, in terms of harming or kidnapping elected officials, were the zip ties some of those individuals carried into the U.S. Capitol and to our State Capitol,” said Gov. Beshear. “These aren’t people who believe in the rule of law; they are people who believe they can take the law into their own hands to bully and intimidate others. We here in Kentucky will not be bullied. Anybody who believes that domestic terror is the way to go, we’ll be ready for you. And to those who in their elected positions will use the words of hate or anger, and will try to stir it up – stop.

“Someone vandalized our own Dr. Stack’s home, spray-painting ‘COVID is PCR fraud’ on his mailbox. This wasn’t about the spray paint. It was about those individuals trying to create terror, saying we know where you live and we know how to get to you. But we will not let that happen. Because of Dr. Stack’s work, thousands of people are alive today who wouldn’t have been without him. Trying to create fear in his family is the lowest form of low.”

Today, in accordance with a proclamation from the White House, Gov. Beshear directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff until sunset Jan. 13, as a sign of respect for the service and sacrifice of United States Capitol Police Officers Brian Sicknick and Howard Liebengood, as well as law enforcement in Kentucky and across the country. For more information, see the full release here.

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 2,085
New deaths today: 21
Positivity rate: 12.35%
Total deaths: 2,922
Currently hospitalized: 1,709
Currently in ICU: 381
Currently on ventilator: 207

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Fayette, Kenton, Boone, Madison, Morgan and Warren. Each of these counties reported 60 or more new cases; Jefferson County alone reported 358.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.

Memorial
“Today we mourn the loss of another educator in Kentucky. Simone Parker was only 46 years old when she passed away from COVID-19 earlier this month. She taught for 19 years at Trigg County High School in Cadiz and was described by everyone who knew her as an extraordinary educator. She always said, ‘Once they are mine, they are always mine,’ about her students. And that was true,” said Gov. Beshear. “She was often found taking care of her kids in and out of the classroom, doing whatever was needed to make sure they succeeded.

“Her husband, William Parker, shared that once you met Simone you were considered family to her. She never met a stranger.

“William and Simone were set to celebrate 24 years of marriage later this year before he, Simone and her sister who lives with them all tested positive for COVID-19. Unfortunately, it hit Simone harder, and the Monday before Christmas she had to be taken to the hospital. During this time she was intubated and sedated, and couldn’t speak. William said the hardest part was not being able to truly say goodbye to his wife of 23 years.

“Today we lift William and the rest of Simone’s family and community in prayer, including her students, colleagues and friends who she cared for.”

Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021
From Lake Cumberland District Health Department:

Statewide Testing Positivity Rate: 12.45%.

Deaths: We are happy to report no new deaths today. We have experienced a total of 280 deaths resulting in a 1.81% mortality rate (about 1 in 55) among known cases. This compares with a 0.96% mortality rate at the state level, and a 1.68% mortality rate at the national level.

Hospitalizations: We presently have 67 cases* in the hospital. This is 2 more than what we reported yesterday. We have had a total of 871 hospitalizations resulting in a 5.64% hospitalization rate (about 1 in 18) among known cases. The state hospitalization rate is 4.8%. The latest data shows that 95.56% of Lake Cumberland’s ICU beds are filled, and 32.76% of ventilator capacity is being utilized. (*This number is an estimation. Due to the high numbers, we only check with the hospitals on Fridays now. Therefore, the best time to see the most accurate hospital data will be in the Saturday News Brief.)

Total (Cumulative) Cases: The Lake Cumberland District has experienced a total of 15,456 cases since the onset of the outbreak. This means that 7.4% of our total population have been a confirmed case. However, we do not know how many additional people may have had COVID-19 and were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and never tested.

Released (Not contagious) Cases: We released 144 cases today from isolation. Released cases include: Adair: 9; Casey: 6; Clinton: 12; Cumberland: 7; Green: 4; McCreary: 7; Pulaski: 55; Russell: 8; Taylor: 13; and, Wayne: 23. In all, we have released 91.4% of our total cases.

Active (Current) Cases: Taking into account deaths and releases, our active cases decreased by 60 more than the new cases we added today. This leaves us with 1,043 active cases in our district across all 10 of our district’s 10 counties. On 12/10/2020 we were at our peak number of active cases, 1,340.

Where Did Cases Visit Prior to Isolation: The most common places cases visited prior to isolation are (in descending order): Businesses, Schools, Family, and Long-term Care/Residential Facilities. We have had 60 cases tied to Christmas gaterings, 43 tied to Thanksgiving gatherings, and 7 tied to New Year’s events. Of our active cases, 9% can not be tied back to another known case (community-spread cases).

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 84 today: Casey: 12; Clinton: 3; Cumberland: 2; Green: 1; McCreary: 3; Pulaski: 46; Russell: 1; Taylor: 11; and, Wayne: 5. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.014. This means our total case count is projected to double every 48.78 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 12/30/2020 when we added 301 cases. Today’s new cases include:

Casey: A 49-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 41-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 16-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 57-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 8-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 73-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Casey: A 19-year-old female who is released, Resolved;
Casey: A 12-year-old female who is released, Resolved;
Casey: A 48-year-old female who is released, Resolved;
Casey: A 21-year-old female who is released, Resolved;
Casey: A 18-year-old female who is released, Resolved;
Casey: A 26-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 31-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 42-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Clinton: A 29-year-old male who is released, Resolved;
Cumberland: A 7-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 42-year-old female who is released, Resolved;
Green: A 54-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 84-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 53-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
McCreary: A 56-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 38-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 59-year-old female who is released, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 17-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 70-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 31-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 17-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 42-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 30-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 67-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 27-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 71-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 68-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 22-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 25-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 23-year-old female who is released, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 63-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 18-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 80-year-old female who is hospitalized, Asymptomatic;
Pulaski: A 20-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 70-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 61-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 37-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Pulaski: A 29-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 77-year-old female who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Pulaski: A 76-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 24-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 15-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 29-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 85-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 85-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 17-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 26-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 28-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 48-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Pulaski: A 38-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 23-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 5-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 37-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 65-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 39-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 22-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 14-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 3-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 49-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 25-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 38-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 25-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 20-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Taylor: A 66-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 8-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 56-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 72-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 64-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 59-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 16-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Taylor: A 38-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 73-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 42-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 20-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 28-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 4-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 71-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Wayne: A 21-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;

We are getting numerous questions about why different counties in the state are at different places with their COVID-19 vaccine administration response. For the moment, all counties are supposed to still be primarily focused on Phase 1a (medical staff, and nursing homes). However, since the Moderna vaccines come in shipments of 100 doses, in some occasions there may be some left-over vaccine from week to week where Phase 1a recipients can not be found. Every provider in every county is encouraged to use this surplus vaccine. So, in some instances, some counties will vaccinate a few folks in Phase 1b (first responders, school staff, or those ages 70 and over) with this surplus Phase 1a vaccine. Also, since 100 doses goes much farther in a small county with a population of, say, 6,000, than it would in a county with a population of 70,000, everyone is going to have to become comfortable with the fact that some counties are going to get ahead of other counties when progressing through the COVID-19 vaccination phases.

Also, as far as the local health departments go, the State Department for Public Health arranges for our vaccines to be shipped to us from the drug companies. Likewise, any other are providers who are receiving vaccines (hospitals and maybe a few others), are having their orders also arranged directly by the State Department for Public Health. The local health departments have no input over which local providers receive the vaccine or how the distribute it. They are all supposed to be following the COVID-19 Vaccination Phase Guidance, but if they don’t, it is outside of our influence. We do plan on reaching out to our community health care partners soon and beginning to have online meetings with them to better coordinate our overall response. Again, though, how they ultimately chose to utilize their vaccine will be up to them.

On a very positive note, we ended last week with no deaths the last couple of days. We start this week with no known COVID-19 deaths in our district. Also, we began last week with 115 new cases, today, 84. However, we have 1,043 active cases today compared with 795 last Sunday; and, we have 67 hospitalized cases today compared to 63 last Sunday. For our district, we had our largest 7-day incidence rate per 100,000 last week on Friday, a little over 103 new cases per day (a little more than 1 per 1,000 per day). Finally, our district’s ICU capacity is stretched very thin. So, let’s all do our part in slowing the spread of COVID-19 by wearing our face coverings, avoiding crowds (especially in confined spaces), social distancing when around others, increasing our hand hygiene, increasing our general sanitation, and by avoiding the touching of our faces.

The Lake Cumberland area has experienced 15,456 cumulative confirmed cases and there have been 304,712 confirmed COVID-19 cases across all 120 Kentucky Counties as of today (this includes 303,625 statewide plus 1,087 recently reported cases in Lake Cumberland not in the Governor’s/Department for Public Health’s daily report). Regardless of the confirmed case count for any Lake Cumberland County, we believe COVID-19 to be widespread. The LCDHD is working tirelessly, including nights and weekends, to identify and contact all those with whom any positive case may have come into close contact, and to follow-up with positive cases when ready to be released. Additionally, we are striving diligently to follow-up on business-related complaints regarding noncompliance with the Governor’s Executive Orders. We are also working with any community partner that requests assistance for prevention or post-exposure planning/response. Finally, we are working with all community partners regarding vaccination planning.

COVID-19 Vaccination Update

LCDHD is currently operating in Phase 1a of our COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan. This includes vaccines for healthcare workers and first responders. We are not pre-registering for future vaccination phases at this time, as vaccines are not readily available. Please follow this website and the LCDHD social media sites such as Facebook for details about future vaccine availability once additional vaccine is received. Also, don’t forget about the contract with Walgreens and CVS pharmacies to vaccinate the long-term care facilities and personal care homes — residents and staff.

https://www.lcdhd.org/2021/01/10/public-information-brief-1-10-21/

 

 

 

SATURDAY, JAN. 9, 2021:

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 142 today: Adair: 5; Casey: 7; Clinton: 11; Cumberland: 3; Green: 11; McCreary: 14; Pulaski: 70; Russell: 7; Taylor: 8; and, Wayne: 6. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.015. This means our total case count is projected to double every 47.45 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 12/30/2020 when we added 301 cases. Today’s new cases include:

Adair: A 19-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 42-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 64-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 29-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 3-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;

FRIDAY, JAN. 8, 2021:

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 243 today: Adair: 12; Casey: 8; Clinton: 28; Cumberland: 8; Green: 10; McCreary: 20; Pulaski: 104; Russell: 14; Taylor: 19; and, Wayne: 20. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.015. This means our total case count is projected to double every 46.41 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 12/30/2020 when we added 301 cases. Today’s new cases include:

Adair: A 43-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 17-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 41-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 69-year-old female who is released, Asymptomatic;
Adair: A 13-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 63-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 24-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 55-year-old female who is released, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 6-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 20-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 51-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Adair: A 20-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;

 

 

The Columbia/Adair County Fire Department named Robby Shelton (center) Firefighter of the Year for 2020.

He is joined by Adair County Fire Chief Dennis Loy and Columbia City Fire Chief Mike Glasgow.