Lexington sees highest one day total of COVID-related deaths

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Lexington saw its largest one day total of COVID-19-related deaths Wednesday, according to the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department. Health officials said three people died who were in their 60s, 80s and 90s.

The department also reported its second largest one-day total of cases on Wednesday with 123 people which also included some delayed reporting.

“So it is spreading and it’s not going away,” said Kevin Hall, communications officer with the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department.

Hall reported a total of 6,684 cases and 66 deaths in Fayette County during the outbreak.

According to the morning report, 5,541 people have recovered, an increase of 89 from the prior report.

With the flu season looming, Hall says they’re also analyzing how to do their annual free flu shot event. Typically, Hall says about 2,000 people attend. This year, things will be a little different.

“We’re going to be doing a very special event. We’re looking to do a drive-thru event that people can stay in their cars, stay with their masks on and just roll down the window and put their arm out and get a shot,” explained Hall.

While mobile testing sites are setup in the city, Hall says, “Unfortunately people right now aren’t hitting them nearly as much as they were six weeks ago.”

Hall says it’s important people know what their status is, especially with the upcoming flu season and possible confusion over symptoms which Hall says will be “very similar to COVID-19.”

According to the health department, officials continue to see a rise in cases among University of Kentucky students, with 1,213 total cases, 57 of those were new cases reported Wednesday. This includes testing from multiple sources and not just the specialized on-campus testing done by the university.

Health officials point out the numbers are for UK students who are Fayette County residents and are not a total of all cases at the university. A student who tests positive is considered a Fayette County resident if they live in Fayette County already or elect to stay in Lexington during their isolation.

If they commute to campus from another county or elect to return to their hometown for isolation, they are not in our numbers.

Hall says it’s important people continue to follow the latest recommendations in public to stop the spread of the virus:

• Wear a cloth mask over your mouth and nose

• Stay at least 6 feet away from anyone who doesn’t live in your home

• Wash your hands often.