Pike County officials raise concerns as COVID-19 cases increase

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Pike County officials hosted a news conference Tuesday, urging people to take the coronavirus seriously.

Public Health Director Tammy Riley said the county is nearing 90 positive cases, currently sitting at 87.

Riley said there were two new cases Tuesday, which makes 25 active cases- one of whom is currently hospitalized. She said 60 people recovered from the virus and two died.

According to Riley, the most recent cases are either linked to one another or have connections to travel. She said traveling puts people at ease, which often causes them to drop their guards against the virus.

Dr. Fadi Al Ahkrass agreed, saying people “decided to chase the virus.”

He said continuing to be a responsible citizen is more important than ever because the state is doing its part, so it’s up to the people of the county to make sure they are doing the same. He said the trips to the beach are not part of that.

He said wearing masks is not only a great tool but an “act of strength” to show care for others and caution for self.

Judge Executive Ray Jones said people are still questioning the validity of the virus.

He said the county leaders can issue as many ordinances as they want, but it is up to people to follow the guidance in place. He said he does not want to put any new ordinances into place but he wants the community to wake up.

With the steady positive cases, the county opened another testing site in partnership with Governor Andy Beshear’s office, bringing the Kroger Health tent back to Shelby Valley High School.

The self-administered testing is open Wednesday and Thursday, with the capability of testing 1,200 people. The tents opened Tuesday, only testing 50 people. On-site professionals say they hope to see that number increase in the days to come.

She said the test is not invasive and results are back in two to three days.

Wells urges re-testing if you have been tested in the past. Find out more about that on the clinic website.