COVID-19 rising in Jefferson County, health officials say

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Heading into the long Labor Day weekend, Louisville health officials are urging everyone to stay safe as COVID-19 is on the rise.

According to wastewater data from the Kentucky Wastewater Data Surveillance System, there’s a high level of COVID-19 in Jefferson County.

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) said Kentucky’s respiratory disease dashboard also reports an increase in emergency department visits for COVID-19.

In June, there were 45 visits. In July, that number rose to 121. For August, there were 322.

“It’s important to consider that schools are back in session and cooler temperatures are on the way as well as the time of year when respiratory viruses like COVID, RSV and flu start to circulate,” Dr. Kris Bryant, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist and associated medical director for LMPHW, said. “Each year in the U.S. those viruses cause millions of people to be ill, thousands to be hospitalized and even deaths.”

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Louisville’s health department advises everyone to stay up-to-date with recommended immunizations by talking with your doctor to see what may be needed for you or your family.

Officials also recommend practicing good hygiene like washing hands regularly, covering coughs, and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue.

Masks can also provide an extra layer of protection, the health department said, especially in crowded spaces or when you are around someone who is at a much higher risk of being sick including older adults, young children and people with certain medical conditions.

If you get sick with a respiratory illness, you should stay home and away from others to prevent getting others sick. You should also see health care for treatment to help lower the risk of severe illness, officials said.