As businesses open back up across Kentucky this week, Lake Cumberland District Health Department Executive Director Shawn Crabtree is reminding residents of the Bluegrass State to to keep taking safety precautions related to COVID-19.
“I have had several people ask me questions this week about issues of safety. Like is it safe to go out? Is it safe to go to a restaurant? Is it safe to go back to church? Nothing is absolutely safe," said Crabree in his weekly COVID-19 updateon May 20. "It’s all a matter of reducing your risk.”
State and local health officials continue to encourage Kentuckians to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading the virus by social distancing, wearing a mask and avoiding large groups, even with the easing of restrictions. Individuals who are most vulnerable, including those over 60, or with underlying health conditions, are urged to continue to remain safe at home as much as possible.
The Lake Cumberland District Health Department reports that there have been 210 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the 10-county region.
There have been 24 deaths in the district, most of those related to nursing homes.
Crabtree said all residents of long-term care facilities will be tested for COVID-19, even if they don’t have symptoms, so the virus can be contained before it spreads.
