An escalation in absenteeism prompted concerns in Magoffin County, with students reporting illnesses including COVID-19 and other viruses like strep throat and stomach viruses, revealed Magoffin County Health Department Director Pete Shepherd.
COVID-19 Spread
A combination of illnesses initially contributed to the absenteeism spike, with COVID-19 now dominating. Shepherd noted that home tests were scarcely distributed in the month preceding the school’s reopening. However, the test demand surged as the school year started, reflecting the virus’s rapid spread.
Vaccine Doubts and Precautions
On just Monday and Tuesday, the school district validated about 40 cases, and additional children took home tests while skipping class. The increase occurs before the release of a fresh vaccine that targets the most recent COVID-19 mutation. Despite this, Shepherd voiced uncertainty about the county’s interest in the vaccine due to the belief that mild instances are the majority, which leads many parents to opt out of immunizations rather than vaccinate their children.
Shepherd praised the youth for their determination but advised others to take safety measures like washing their hands and staying home while ill. Dr. Steven Stack backed a comprehensive strategy for public health and highlighted the need for the new vaccination when it becomes ready.
Baptist Health, UK Healthcare, and medical facilities reported treating nine and 22 COVID-19 patients, respectively. The growing patient population demonstrates the virus’s continuing influence on the neighborhood.
