COVID cases up dramatically in Lexington; new vaccine could be available within days

COVID-19 cases are on the increase in Lexington. Kevin Hall, spokesman for the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, said they’ve more doubled in the last month – from 84 in mid-July to 190 in mid-August. He said with students back in school, public health officials expect COVID cases will continue to rise – but fortunately, a new vaccine should be available in the next few days

“When that vaccine is available, get the vaccine now. Talk to your provider if you've recently had COVID, because there's some conversations that need to be had, that if you've had it in the last couple of months, let that natural immunity go ahead and take effect.”

Hall said meantime, folks should observe safety protocols established more than four years ago.

“If you're symptomatic, particularly with a fever that hasn't gone away, stay home. If you go out and it's a crowded area, you're an indoor place where there's not good air circulation, a mask can be helpful and advisable.”

Hall said masking up cuts the chances of catching COVID-19 and, if you have it, spreading it to others. He also suggests frequent hand-washing, which some people got out of the habit of when the pandemic eased.

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