Coronavirus cases have been increasing in Fayette County since late July and many have speculated that the increase in cases may be linked to the recently held Fayette County Fair. Deputy Fayette County Public Health Commissioner Leigh Cannon provided the following release on Tuesday, August 4th in response to the debate:
From July 21st through August 3rd, 30 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported to Fayette County Public Health. FCPH staff has been investigating these cases, identifying close contacts and isolating and quarantining cases and their contacts. During our investigations we have identified a cluster of cases that are linked to an outbreak from Marysville, Ohio. At this time, we have identified all of the contacts of the cases.
While we know that residents are concerned that the increase in cases may be a result of the Fayette County Fair, the data is insufficient at this time to declare the fair as the reason for the increase in cases. Individuals who reported attending the fair prior to the onset of symptoms have also reported visiting other locations and so they cannot be definitively linked to the fair. Our investigation has revealed that many of the new cases are linked to large gatherings of friends, family or other social events.
While social distancing and safety measures have been put into place across the county, the risk of contracting COVID-19 still exists. It is important to remember that the incubation period of this disease is 2-14 days. That means that what we see in today’s data reflects the action we took two weeks ago. It also means the actions we take today will affect whether the virus continues to spread in our community.
Please remember that the mass gathering order is still in effect and gatherings are still limited to 10 people. Continue to be diligent in avoiding mass gatherings, wear a mask or facial covering when in public, maintain a 6-foot distance form others, wash your hands and use hand sanitizer frequently and stay home if you are sick. Individuals at high risk for severe complications and their families should continue to take extra precautions.