Joint statement from local officials: Get vaccinated to slow community spread of COVID-19

July 26, 2021 | 11:52 am

Updated July 26, 2021 | 11:55 am

Graphic by Owensboro Times

Daviess County Fiscal Court, the City of Owensboro, the Green River District Health Department, and Owensboro Health are concerned about the rapid rise in COVID-19 infections, as well as the increasing presence of the more easily transmitted Delta variant of the virus. Officials released a joint statement Monday morning about their concerns.

“We are seeing a dramatic surge in cases,” Judge-Executive Al Mattingly said. “It is important that we work together to drive down transmission, especially before schools reopen in August.”  

Mayor Tom Watson added, “Please, consider the vaccine, as it offers the best protection against the virus. Vaccines are plentiful and available at no cost to you.”      

With a positivity rate above 15 percent, Daviess County has seen a “substantial rise” in the incidence of new COVID-19 cases in recent weeks.  

According to the release, the cases by week were as follows:
July 5-July 11: 28 Cases
July 12-July 18: 81 Cases 
July 19-July 25: 209 Cases

Meanwhile, COVID-19 hospitalizations have risen from an average of three per day at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital to a daily census of 15 on July 23. To help slow the spread, OHRH is bringing back some previous safety measures, such as virtual-only team meetings and pre-procedure testing for patients. 

“A large majority of our new cases involves unvaccinated individuals,” said Chief Medical Officer Francis DuFrayne. “Even when vaccinated people contract COVID-19, their cases tend to be much less severe compared to those who are unvaccinated.”

The joint statement encourages everyone to get vaccinated.

“Approximately 44 percent of Daviess County residents are fully vaccinated,” the statement reds. “To slow the community spread of the virus, more people will need to get the vaccine. The Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson immunizations offer protection against the most severe COVID-19 illness.”

Clay Horton, Director of the Green River District Health Department, said “We are urging all eligible adults and children, 12 and older, to get vaccinated. If you are not yet fully vaccinated, at higher risk, or work in a high traffic public job like retail or dining, continue to wear a mask when in indoor public spaces.” 

Vaccines are free and widely available in the community at “big box stores,” pharmacies, hospitals, and health departments. Find a location near you at vaccines.gov.  

Audubon Area Community Services, Inc. will provide a free ride to a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. To book a ride, call 270-686-1600 at least 24 hours in advance.  

The CDC recommends that anyone with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 get tested, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection. Symptoms may include a fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, and congestion.  

Stay home if you are feeling sick, and stay away from others pending test results.  

The Green River District Health Department is offering free COVID-19 testing. To schedule an appointment, call 270-686-7744.    

Mattingly, Watson, Horton, and DuFrayne will provide an update on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. The live stream may be accessed on the Facebook page for Daviess County Fiscal Court. Members of the general public are invited to submit questions.  

July 26, 2021 | 11:52 am

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