COVID-19 cases are rising across the country and in Kentucky. Here in Lexington, the health department is seeing a growing number of breakthrough cases.
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LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - COVID-19 cases are rising across the country and in Kentucky.
The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department told us around
20-25% of the COVID cases they’ve seen over the last month have been breakthrough cases.
They say even though vaccinated people may still catch the virus, those vaccines do appear to be effective at keeping vaccinated people from getting severely ill.
In July, there have been 297 new COVID cases in Fayette County. The health department says roughly 23% of those have been breakthrough cases, where fully vaccinated people have tested positive.
They say the delta variant and people taking less precautions are the main factors.
“The numbers may not be as high as they were at the beginning of the year, but another wave begins, it’s just around the corner if you look at these numbers,” said Kevin Hall with the health department.
Hospitals are also seeing rising numbers, but far fewer of the people being admitted have been vaccinated.
Out of the 15 COVID inpatients they have, only one was vaccinated.
“You can potentially still get it, but the chances are you’re going to be very mildly ill. The thing we have to remember, even for the vaccinated, is over the next several weeks if you do get sick, if you get a respiratory illness, get in and get tested,” said Dr. Mark Dougherty with Baptist Health.
Dr. Dougherty says with the spread of the delta variant, and people resuming normal activities, he expects cases will continue to go up, with hospitalizations not far behind.
“I think most people who are unvaccinated are underestimating their risk of getting COVID, which is going to be very high over the next few months. And underestimating the major complications of COVID that you can get,” Dr. Dougherty said.
Hall said even though that mask mandate may not be in effect anymore, people may still want to wear mask if they’re going to be in a place with a lot of other people.