Lexington announces first coronavirus-related death, bringing Kentucky total to four
Lexington reported its first death of a patient with the novel coronavirus Monday, bringing Kentucky’s total to four out of at least 111 Kentuckians who have tested positive for COVID-19.
The victim was an 82-year-old woman with underlying health conditions, according to Gov. Andy Beshear. Local health officials did not provide further details, citing medical privacy laws.
“This is a sad day for our city and especially for the family and friends of this victim,” Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said. “Let’s all make sure our elderly neighbors are cared for and protected. And let’s do everything we can to slow down this virus.”
At least 15 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Lexington and the number is expected to rise in the coming weeks. Beshear has said he will light the Capitol and Governor’s Mansion in green every time he announces a COVID-19 death because green is a color of compassion.
“Tonight I am going to light my house up green and for everybody else out there who has that ability, I’d ask you to do it too,” Beshear said. “It’s just a moment of solidarity where we are showing a color of compassion and of renewal.”
The health department said sustained person-to-person spread of COVID-19 is occurring in Lexington “because not all new cases can be connected to previous cases or to travel outside of the community.”
“Although the number of cases is still low, cases are expected to increase,” the department warned.
There have been at least 499 deaths in the United States as of Monday afternoon. While the majority of people who get the disease do not become seriously ill — many are asymptomatic, such as U.S. Sen. Rand Paul — the disease is easily transmitted and can lead to serious complications, especially for those who are older than 60, have a compromised immune system or have heart or lung problems.
The other three deaths in Kentucky have been in Louisville, Bourbon County and Anderson County and all three have been older than 60.
The first reported death was an 66-year-old man in Bourbon County, who went to the hospital with other medical complications and was tested because he had come in contact with someone who had COVID-19.
The second person, a 64-year-old man from Jefferson County, died on March 13 but his test did not come back until March 19. The third person, a 60-year-old man from Anderson County, also had several other health problems.
Kentucky residents can call the state coronavirus hotline — 1-800-722-5725 — for advice about when to seek medical treatment. Only people with symptoms of coronavirus — cough, fever and difficulty breathing — should call.
Visit Kentucky’s coronavirus website, kycovid19.ky.gov, for more guidance about the disease.
This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 2:48 PM.
