McCreary COVID-19 Cases Spike

County in red zone; senior citizens
transition to
drive-through meals

By Eugenia Jones
eugenia@highland.net

After enjoying a brief period of being in the green zone with no active COVID-19 cases, McCreary County has once again hit the red (critical) zone for current intensity of community spread. Showing that COVID-19 is not over and still very much present in the community, the Lake Cumberland District Health Department (LCDHD) added 34 new active cases in McCreary County on Tuesday, July 27. Those additional cases popped McCreary County’s total number of active cases up to 37. All 37 individuals are self-isolated with none currently hospitalized. Since the pandemic began in early 2020, McCreary County has registered 2,047 cumulative confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 34 of those cases resulting in death.
McCreary County continues to lag behind most counties in the Lake Cumberland District in rate of vaccinations. Of the ten District counties, McCreary County ranks ninth with a vaccination rate of 24.88%. Clinton County follows closely behind, ranking tenth with a vaccination rate of 24.24%.
Vaccinations are given locally at several locations including: Kroger and Walgreens Pharmacies, Appalachian Family Care and Whitley Family Medical Center clinics, and the McCreary County Health Department (Johnson & Johnson.) The Lake Cumberland District and McCreary County Health Departments urge unvaccinated individuals to call and schedule their vaccinations as soon as possible. Vaccinations are free.
In addition to being vaccinated, individuals can reduce their risk of contracting the virus by doing the following:
• Avoiding crowds as much as possible.
• Washing hands with soap and water often and thoroughly.
• Wearing a mask when out in public.
• Staying home if one has a fever or is coughing.
• Increasing sanitation.
• Not touching one’s face.