CDC says Union, Henderson and McCracken counties have medium levels of virus, so high-risk people there need masks

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention map

By Melissa Patrick
Kentucky Health News

Three Western Kentucky counties are yellow on the national Covid-19 risk map, for counties with a medium level of virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Union and Henderson counties are yellow for the second week in a row, and McCracken County moved from green to yellow on this week's risk map. The rest of the state is green, considered to have a low level of the virus. 

The CDC says people in yellow counties who are immunocompromised, or at high risk for severe illness from the virus, should talk to a health-care provider about whether they need to wear a mask or take other precautions.

The weekly ratings are based on new virus cases, Covid-19 hospitalizations and the percentage of staffed inpatient beds occupied by Covid-19 patients.

Nationwide, the CDC reports that 87.7% of counties or county equivalents have a low level of the virus; 9.9% have a medium level; and 2.45% have a high level. 

These low transmission rates are welcomed as the state moves into Kentucky Derby weekend. 

"I'm looking forward to people being able to get out and really enjoy," Gov. Andy Beshear said at his weekly news conference. "We have asked a lot from people over these last couple of years. We asked for a lot of sacrifices and with where we are in Covid, while it hasn't gone away, it's okay to celebrate. With everything that we've given up for a period of time, I want people to enjoy, have a good time and I am really looking forward to feeling that energy and to watching everybody else be able to have a good time." 

Beshear said he and his family will be taking masks with them to the Derby and will use them if they feel they are needed.