New COVID-19 cases continue decline in state, county

For the first time since the pandemic began in March 2020, Kentucky has had five straight weeks of declining COVID-19 cases, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Monday during his press briefing in Frankfort.

Kentucky’s positivity rate also continues to fall as it is now at 6.57% the lowest since Nov. 5.

“We are seeing some of the best COVID-19 news that’s been out there since we began this fight,” he said.

Beshear also announced 723 new cases Monday, the lowest daily number since Oct. 12.

"We're not sure if weather may be contributing to a number of labs open and health departments reporting in, but this does follow the trend we have been seeing, so we hope to continue to see that in the data as we go.”

There has been a 26% decline in active cases from last week which is the lowest the state has seen since Oct. 22.

Cases throughout the Green River District Health Department, including Ohio County, are on the decline as well.

Last week, GRDHD reported 551 cases and five deaths compared to the previous week’s 896 cases and seven deaths and less than half the

number of cases just four weeks ago when the district reported 1,204 cases and 13 deaths.

Ohio County had a total of 45 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past seven days, down from the previous week’s total of 98. There were two deaths reported for the county last week.

Tuesday’s report from the health department showed Ohio County with 2,291 total cases with 343 of those listed as active. Four of those active cases are currently hospitalized. There have been a total of 47 deaths attributed to COVID-19 in Ohio County.

The county’s daily incidence rate has fallen over the past few weeks as it is now nearing 25 which would allow the county to drop into what is considered the “orange zone” or accelerated level. As of Tuesday evening, the county’s daily incidence rate was 26.2, still considered in the “red” critical zone.

As of Monday, the state’s daily incidence rate is 30.71.

The seven-day incidence is calculated by taking the total number of unique cases in each county over the past seven days, divided by seven to get the daily average, divided by the population and multiplied by 100,000 to get the incidence per 100,000 people.

Other counties in this district have already fallen to the “orange zone” or are getting close. As of Monday’s numbers, McLean, Webster and Union Counties are in the “orange zone” with both Union and McLean nearing the “yellow zone” considered community spread, which is under 10. Henderson, Daviess and Hancock are still in the “red zone” with Henderson also nearing the accelerated level.

As of Tuesday, there has been a total of 390,762 positive cases of COVID-19 in the commonwealth with 4,318 deaths attributed to the virus.

Beshear said Monday that over 12% of the state’s population has received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine with sites approaching 97% of its seven-day utilization. He said that 35% of the people receiving the vaccine are 70 and older, 13% are both in the 40-49 and 50-59 age groups.

The governor announced Monday that childcare workers have been moved up in the priority for the coronavirus vaccine. They are now included in phase 1B and can sign up anywhere in the state currently offering vaccines.

On Monday, state health officials informed Ohio County Healthcare that it will begin receiving weekly shipments of 300 Moderna vaccinations as early as next week. Appointments will be prioritized for the 1A and 1B phases which include healthcare workers, first responders and those 70 and older.

Appointments will be scheduled from individuals currently on the Ohio County Wait List. Scheduling will be based on date calls were initially received. To be added to the wait list, call 270-215-9082 or register online at ochcares.com.

The Green River District Health Department is continuing to vaccinate 1A and 1B groups. Those 70 years of age or older can visit healthdepartment.org or call the local health department to be placed on the waiting list.

GRDHD announced yesterday that as vaccine quantities and available appointment times allow, persons in Phase 1C with an emphasis on those aged 60 and older may also be scheduled to ensure its vaccination site are administering 90% or more of all vaccine doses within seven days of arrival. Visit the website or call the health department to get on the waiting list.