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The Lincoln County Health Department is reminding the public to continue wearing masks during this time as the novel coronavirus continues to spread throughout communities.

The governor’s executive order mandating masks in the Commonwealth has been extended for another 30 days, according to LCHD Director Diane Miller. The latest extension was put in place beginning Sept. 7, she said.

“I don’t know what’s going on, I don’t know if people think that the mask order has gone by the wayside but it has not,” Miller said. “As a matter of fact, as of Sept. 7, the Governor extended the mask-wearing order for another 30 days. In his order, he plainly states that it’s subject to renewal.”

Miller said the mask order still applies to business owners, as well.

The LCHD has masks available to the public and can be reached at 606-365-3106. Miller said the health department is also strongly encouraging individuals to get a flu shot. Those can be scheduled by calling the LCHD.

 

Local COVID-19 update

Miller said the LCHD is reporting 17 active cases of COVID-19 in Lincoln County as of Tuesday morning.

There are currently two individuals hospitalized due to COVID-19, she said. There were no new deaths to report this week.

One death was reported by the state this week, Miller said, but that case was previously reported locally and does not represent a new death in the county.

“That was another case of delayed reporting,” she said.

The health department was monitoring 37 contacts as of Tuesday morning, she said.

 

Free, local COVID-19 testing 

The LCHD will be hosting free COVID-19 testing on Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The public is asked to call the health department to register.