Lexington reports nearly 100 new COVID-19 cases. New data shows cases in kids under 5
The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department reported 98 new cases of COVID-19 and one new coronavirus-related death Monday morning.
The city’s total number of cases is now 2,856, and there have been 45 deaths.
The newest overall total since the virus arrived locally in March reflects the removal of six false-positive tests found by scientists at the University of Kentucky. Those were among the 26 false positives which UK announced last week it had found. UK said they were caused by a software glitch, but added that out of 30,000, those were the only ones that had been incorrect.
“With something this new, there’s going to be 26 out of 30,000 here and there that we’re going to have issues with,” Gov. Andy Beshear said after the issue was discovered last week. “That’s just being transparent about the data, and the challenge that’s in front of us.”
There were 47 new cases announced by Lexington Saturday morning, for a total of 145 cases revealed over the weekend. There was also one death reported Saturday morning.
Lexington’s health department has released more specific data on age ranges, showing that the largest share of cases have occurred in the 25-34 age range (566). Almost a quarter of all hospitalizations have been in the 65-74 age range. There have been 271 hospitalizations so far. Over half of all deaths have occurred in residents 75 or older, according to health department data.
Beshear has cited growing concern over cases spiking in children under 5 years old, saying last week that “we are seeing cases in young children everywhere.” Lexington has had 86 kids under 5 test positive so far, according to health department data. There has been one hospitalization in that age group, and no deaths.
The state health department has issued a travel advisory for 10 states and territories, recommending that people returning to Kentucky from those areas self-quarantine for 14 days. They include Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, Puerto Rico, South Carolina and Texas.
The health department has reported 2,126 total recoveries, which is an increase of 110 compared to Saturday’s data. Most people are deemed recovered without negative coronavirus tests. The health department considers the length of time since a positive test and course of symptoms in determining recoveries.
Case statistics over the last week indicate an increase in cases and hospitalizations, but also an increase in recoveries.
Cases have continued to increase in Lexington’s younger population, but there was also a slight increase in cases among people 55 and over.
Deaths decreased 50 percent after the city set a one-week record of eight from July 13-19.
This story was originally published July 27, 2020 at 10:03 AM.