Officials in Kentucky have made the decision to cancel in-person school activities for the remainder of the week due to a rise in student and staff illnesses.
The Lee County district, comprising two schools and serving nearly 900 students, announced the cancellation of in-person classes, extracurricular activities, and games. While an increase in COVID-19 cases played a role, it was not the sole factor behind the decision.
Scott Lockard, Public Health Director for the Kentucky River District, noted that beyond COVID-19 cases, other respiratory illnesses are affecting the area. Even individuals testing negative for COVID-19 are testing positive for these other illnesses, prompting the district's call for a temporary closure. The district is implementing Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) days that students can complete at home on Thursday and Friday.
The cancellation aligns with an uptick in COVID-19 hospitalizations seen since late July. This increase is occurring before the traditional cold and flu season in the United States, which has raised concerns among health officials. The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has expressed worries about the potential severity of the upcoming fall and winter, citing the presence of flu, RSV, and COVID-19.
Kevin Hall, a representative from the health department, recommended practicing good hygiene, including regular hand washing, to mitigate the risk. He also highlighted the importance of getting COVID-19 booster shots when available. Pharmaceutical companies Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are awaiting FDA approval for updated booster shots targeting dominant virus variants.
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