Two new COVID-related deaths in Whitley County

The Whitley County Health Department reported two COVID–19 related deaths last week, marking the first such deaths since June 4.

Whitley County Public Health Director Marcy Rein said both of the recent deaths involved adults under the age of 55.

“Neither one had been vaccinated,” Rein said.

Gov Andy Beshear said Monday that between March 1 and July 30, Kentucky had 460 COVID–19 related deaths.

Of those, 52, or 12.6 percent, were vaccinated individuals.

“You are very protected if you get the vaccine,” Beshear said.

Rein said the current vaccination rate in Whitley County stands at 32.9 percent with 11,937 individuals fully vaccinated and an additional 1,121 having received at least one dose.

Of the residents that have been vaccinated, Rein said there have been no documented severe reactions.

“Other than the day after the second dose, the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine tends to put people down for a few days,” Rein said noting that those administering the vaccine have an obligation to report any severe reactions or complications.

Beshear reported on Monday that the age group that has the lowest vaccination rate are adults between the ages of 18 and 29.

Rein said it is similar in Whitley County.

“It has a lot to do with young people who tend to feel invincible,” Rein said noting that while the initial pandemic tended to hit older people, the delta variant is affecting all ages.

As to where the vaccination rate is the highest around the state, Beshear said 74 of Kentucky’s 120 counties currently have vaccination rates under 50 percent.

Pulaski County is the only local county with a vaccination rate greater than 40 percent.

Rein said Whitley County has approximately 139 active cases on any given day with five people hospitalized.

The two individuals that died last week were hospitalized prior to succumbing to COVID–19.

“Our incident rate continues to go up,” Rein said.

The Laurel County Health Department has been providing weekly updates.

According to its most recent update, which was posted on its Facebook page on Monday, between July 24 and July 30, Laurel County had 271 new cases, of which five were hospitalized.

There are currently 23 people hospitalized in Laurel County.

Laurel County’s vaccination rate stands at 32.41 percent, totaling 19,503 people.

The Knox County Health Department released its most recent weekly report on Saturday. According to that report there were 51 active cases.

As to what it may mean for upcoming events, such as NIBROC, which begins on Aug. 11, Rein said the fact that it is outdoors lessens the risk of transmission.

“Attendees should exercise caution, and wear a mask just for an extra dose of caution,” Rein said.

Beshear said, at the present time, he is not consider returning to the mask mandate or the lower occupancy limits.

“I’m taking the potential for a mask mandate off the table,” Beshear said.

In addition, Beshear said he is not considering vaccination mandates for state workers, or the general public.

“If you did a vaccine mandate, do you think it would work,” Beshear asked when the question was posed noting that those that have yet to get vaccinated have dug their heels in and the mandate would only deepen their resolve.