Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all people aged 5 years and older, including people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future. Pregnant and recently pregnant people are more likely to get severely ill with COVID-19 compared with non-pregnant people. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can protect you from severe illness from COVID-19. Learn more at CDC.gov.
COVID-19 Booster Shot
The CDC recommends that everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot either when they are 6 months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series or 2 months after their initial J&J vaccine. Learn more and if you are eligible at CDC.gov. Pfizer-BioNTech Booster shots are available at Medical Center Urgentcare by appointment.
Third Dose Booster shot for immunocompromised persons
The CDC has recently released recommendations regarding a booster shot for moderately-to-severe immunocompromised persons. Talk to your doctor to see if a booster is appropriate for you. More information is available at CDC.gov.
I’ve gotten tested. Now what?
According to the CDC, there are three key steps to take while you are waiting for the results of your COVID test: Stay home and monitor your health; think about the people you have recently been around; and answer the phone call from the health department if you get one. See more.
Mask Recommendations in Kentucky
The Omicron variant is now estimated to be the most common variant of COVID-19 in Kentucky. Because this variant is highly contagious, the following are recommendations for wearing masks and stopping the spread:
- All unvaccinated Kentuckians should wear masks indoors when not in their home
- Kentuckians at higher risk due to pre-existing conditions should wear masks indoors when not in their home
- Vaccinated Kentuckians in jobs with significant public exposure should consider wearing a mask at work.
- All unvaccinated Kentuckians, when eligible, should be vaccinated immediately
- Eligible people should receive the vaccine booster.
Learn more at kycovid19.ky.gov. For tips on how to improve how your mask protects you, visit cdc.gov.
Kentucky COVID-19 Hotline (800) 722-5725
The COVID-19 hotline is a service operated by the healthcare professionals at the KY Poison Control Center who can provide advice and answer questions. Please be patient as they are handling a high volume of calls and want to give everyone the time they deserve. For general information, please review this web page or the kycovid19.ky.gov website prior to calling the hotline.
Tips for Back-to-School
The CDC has created a checklist to help parents with planning for in-person classes.
CDC Updates and Shortens Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Period for General Population
Given what we currently know about COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, CDC is shortening the recommended time for isolation from 10 days for people with COVID-19 to 5 days, if asymptomatic, followed by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others. The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after.
See MoreSee MoreOmicron Variant: What You Need to Know
CDC is working with state and local public health officials to monitor the spread of Omicron. As of December 20, 2021, Omicron has been detected in most states and territories and is rapidly increasing the proportion of COVID-19 cases it is causing.
See MoreSee MoreCDC Expands COVID-19 Booster Recommendations
CDC Statement on B.1.1.529 (Omicron variant)
On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a Variant of Concern and has named it Omicron. No cases of this variant have been identified in the U.S. to date. CDC is following the details of this new variant, first reported to the WHO by South Africa.
See MoreSee MoreLocal COVID News
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Combat COVID
- World Health Organization
- Kentucky Department of Health/Cabinet for Health and Family Services
- Barren River District Health Department
- Barren River District Health Department COVID-19 Hotline – 270-781-8039.
- Office of Governor Andy Beshear COVID-19 Updates
- Patient Education Institute – free educational information about COVID-19 in multiple languages.
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