New figures released on COVID-19 breakthrough cases in Lexington

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – COVID-19 cases are increasing across the country and in Kentucky.

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department told us that about 20 to 25% of the COVID cases they saw in the past month were groundbreaking cases. They say that even though vaccinated people can still catch the virus, these vaccines appear to be effective in preventing vaccinated people from getting seriously ill.

In July, there were 297 new cases of COVID in Fayette County. The health department says about 23% of those cases have been breakthrough cases, where fully vaccinated people have tested positive.

They say the delta variant and people taking less precautions are the main factors.

“The numbers may not be as high as they were at the start of the year, but another wave is starting, it’s just around the corner if you look at those numbers,” said Kevin Hall of the health department.

Hospitals are also seeing their numbers increase, but far fewer people admitted have been vaccinated.

Of the 15 COVID hospital patients they have, only one has been vaccinated.

“You can potentially get it, but there’s a good chance you’re very mildly ill. The thing we need to remember, even for the vaccinated, is over the next few weeks if you get sick, if you have respiratory disease, come in and get tested, ”said Dr Mark Dougherty of Baptist Health.

Dr Dougherty says that with the spread of the delta variant and people returning to normal activities, he expects cases to continue to rise, with hospitalizations not far behind.

“I think most unvaccinated people underestimate their risk of contracting COVID, which will be very high over the next few months. And underestimate the major complications of COVID you can get, ”said Dr. Dougherty.

Hall said that while this mask warrant may no longer be in effect, people may still want to wear a mask if they are going to be in a location with a lot of other people.

Copyright 2021 WKYT. All rights reserved.