New cases of Covid-19 infection in Kentucky are rising dramatically and there is no way to explain away the reasons as anything less than a demonization of medical science, and a destructive politicization of public health policy. I fear that after 4 months of difficult sacrifice, we are going to have to start all over again.
The total number of new of new Kentucky Covid-19 infections jumped by 570 and 454 over the last two days. Today’s report will be available soon. The seven highest daily reports of the epidemic have occurred since July 1. Although there were 577 cases reported on Tuesday, May 5, this obviously aberrant number included a large cache of previously uncounted cases in a prison, and from several long-term care facilities. That day’s report also included catch-up cases from the immediately preceding Sunday and Monday– intrinsic low reporting days. We are in new territory.
When did the current surge begin?
Because of our multiple catch-as-catch-can reporting systems nationally and in Kentucky, it is hard to tell. Because it was marked in my mind with a rapid change in public behaviors when retail stores and restaurants opened, I believe our local expansion began with May 25 Memorial Day weekend. After all, national and some local political leaders were telling us it was safe to do more. Indeed, some political and other leaders were telling us to frankly ignore what actual public health experts were advising. (There is still a lot of that going around.)