Daviess County Fiscal Court, The City of Owensboro, Green River District Health Department, and Owensboro Health are concerned about the rapid rise in COVID-19 infections, as well as the increasing presence of the more easily transmitted Delta variant of the virus.
“We are seeing a dramatic surge in cases,” said Judge-Executive Al Mattingly. “It is important that we work together to drive down transmission, especially before schools reopen in August.”
“Please, consider the vaccine, as it offers the best protection against the virus,” added Mayor Tom Watson. “Vaccines are plentiful and available at no cost to you.”
With a positivity rate above 15 percent, Daviess County has seen a substantial rise in the incidence of new COVID-19 cases in recent weeks.
| July 5 – July 11 | 28 Cases |
| July 12 – July 18 | 81 Cases |
| July 19 – July 25 | 209 Cases |
Meanwhile, COVID-19 hospitalizations have risen from an average of three per day at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital to a daily census of 15 on July 23. To help slow the spread, OHRH is bringing back some previous safety measures, such as virtual-only team meetings and pre-procedure testing for patients.
“A large majority of our new cases involves unvaccinated individuals,” said Chief Medical Officer Francis DuFrayne, MD. “Even when vaccinated people contract COVID-19, their cases tend to be much less severe compared to those who are unvaccinated.”
Get Vaccinated
Approximately 44 percent of Daviess County residents are fully vaccinated. To slow the community spread of the virus, more people will need to get the vaccine. The Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson immunizations offer protection against the most severe COVID-19 illness.
“We are urging all eligible adults and children, 12 and older, to get vaccinated,” said Clay Horton, Director of the Green River District Health Department.
“If you are not yet fully vaccinated, at higher risk, or work in a high traffic public job like retail or dining, continue to wear a mask when in indoor public spaces.”
Vaccines are free and widely available in our community at big box stores, pharmacies, hospitals, and health departments. Find a location near you at vaccines.gov.
Audubon Area Community Services, Inc. will provide a free ride to a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. To book a ride, call 270-686-1600 at least 24 hours in advance.
Free Testing Available
The CDC recommends that anyone with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 get tested, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection. Symptoms may include a fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, and congestion.
Stay home if you are feeling sick, and stay away from others pending test results.
The Green River District Health Department is offering free COVID-19 testing. To schedule an appointment, call 270-686-7744.
Live Update
Judge-Executive Al Mattingly, Mayor Tom Watson, Public Health Director Clay Horton, and Dr. Francis DuFrayne, Chief Medical Officer at Owensboro Health, will provide an update on Tuesday, July 27th at 12:30 p.m.
The live stream may be accessed on the Facebook page for Daviess County Fiscal Court. Members of the news media and general public are invited to submit questions.
