Covid case continue to rise; Hancock leads the region at 44% vaccinated
The COVID-19 virus continues to pose a health hazard as new cases of the virus, fueled by the Delta variant, recently started to climb not only in Kentucky but also across the globe. According to a story by CNN cases of the virus climbed in 24 of the 50 states in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data that showed a 165-percent week over week increase in the virus in Los Angeles, California.
Reports say the Delta variant is twice as infectious as the strain that caused the worldwide pandemic starting in early 2020. Over the past couple of weeks several countries, not just the United States, suffered a surge in the virus, which caused some to reimpose restrictions to stop the spread of the virus.
Al Cross, with the Kentucky Health News, reports that cases of the virus increased by 15-percent last week. Locally, according the Green River District Health Department, health officials confirmed 48 new cases of the virus, with two new cases in Hancock County. The two GRADD counties that border
Hancock County also recorded new cases. Daviess County saw 15 new cases, and Ohio County six.
“Our situation has improved, but COVID-19 is still spreading in our community,” Clay Horton, GRDHD Public health Director said in a press release. “It is important that we protect ourselves. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine has never been easier.”
He encouraged unvaccinated people to get a vaccine. Horton said area health departments, such as the one in Hawesville, offer the vaccine, as well as various health providers. In Hancock County Poole’s Pharmacy Care is the only other provider that offers COVID-19 vaccinations. A person needs to call 270.295.3131 to schedule an appointment for the shots.
Horton also encouraged people to continue safety practices such as wearing masks where needed, frequently washing hands and practice social distancing. Such precautions help to mitigate the spread of Covid.
In terms of vaccinations, Hancock County leads the GRADD area with a vaccination rate of 44.01 percent, according to a GRADD press release. With a 2019 population of 8,722, the 44-percent translates to 3,838 people vaccinated against COVID. Hancock holds the third lowest incident rate for COVID -19 at 3.276 per 100,000 population.
How the recent rise in Covid cases affects the upcoming start of school is yet to be determined. According to reports, the Jefferson County School system recently announced due to the increase in the Delta variant of the virus, it will mandate unvaccinated students, teachers and staff continue to wear masks.
Locally, the school system has not decided on its exact procedures in regards to opening the schools.
“My goal is to be back as normal as possible,” Hancock County Board of Education Superintendent Robbie Asberry said. “Hopefully there will not be any mandates.”
By Ralph Dickerson
