Friday, May 7, 2021

Top COVID-19 Takeaways from the Week

City officials offer hope, but urge caution as COVID cases rise

A public health nurse provides a covid vaccination to a young man.

On Tuesday, Dr. Sarah Moyer, Chief Health Strategist of Louisville said the city's increase in COVID cases was proof that the pandemic is not over.

"The minute we let our guard down or get relaxed in our efforts the virus is ready to rise up and spread in our community," she said.

Dr. Moyer asked residents to get screened regularly and encouraged everyone to get vaccinated if they haven't as it provides another layer of protection. She referenced previous occurrences such as fourth of July weekend where COVID cases surged rapidly.  

"We have to be able to test, isolate and vaccinate or that same thing might happen again," Dr. Moyer said. 

“The more people that get the vaccine, the more we can continue to reopen in greater capacity," said Mayor Fischer. "Economic growth and getting rid of the pandemic go hand-in-hand. We’re coming down toward the finish line. We can see it, but we’re not there yet and we’ve got a lot of work left before we end the pandemic.”

Here are the key COVID-19 data metrics for the week of May 3, 2021: 

• There were 859 new cases over the previous week
• 16 cases per 100,000 population

To view this week's COVID briefing with public health officials CLICK HERE. Individuals looking for a vaccine appointment can CLICK HERE. 

Health Officials Encourage COVID Testing Following Derby Weekend

.Dr. Moyer encourages unvaccinated individuals that attended events at Churchill Downs or Derby related parties and gatherings to get tested.

Additionally, Dr. Moyer said it's important for people to monitor their symptoms and quarantine if they attended gatherings or were around large crowds because they may have been exposed to COVID.  

"Cases are on the rise. This week we reported the highest number of cases since March," she said. "Testing allows us to track the spread of COVID and helps us find new variants that are driving spikes in cities across the U.S. and across the globe, and helps us make sure people get medical treatment quickly."

To view a list of testing sites, click HERE.

Community Outreach Key to LouVax Mobile Missions

If you are part of a group, organization, neighborhood, or demographic interested in hosting a LouVax Mobile Mission you can reach out to LouVaxMobile@louisvilleky.gov or call the LouHealth Helpline at 502-912-8598 to discuss setting up an event.