The number of positive cases of the novel Coronavirus have soared in Fayette County in recent days.
The Guardian predicted the rise after speaking with local health officials last week.
The outbreak stems from Marysville, Ohio, and is linked to Bloomingburg, as well.
More than thirty cases have cropped up in recent days. This is an all-time high for the county. More than 80 people are being monitored awaiting results.
The following was released by the Fayette County Department of Health:
From July 21st through August 3rd, 30 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported to Fayette County Public Health. FCPH staff has been investigating these cases, identifying close contacts and isolating and quarantining cases and their contacts. During our investigations we have identified a cluster of cases that are linked to an outbreak from Marysville, Ohio. At this time, we have identified all of the contacts of the cases. While we know that residents are concerned that the increase in cases may be a result of the Fayette County Fair, the data is insufficient at this time to declare the fair as the reason for the increase in cases. Individuals who reported attending the fair prior to the onset of symptoms have also reported visiting other locations and so they cannot be definitively linked to the fair. Our investigation has revealed that many of the new cases are linked to large gatherings of friends, family or other social events. While social distancing and safety measures have been put into place across the county, the risk of contracting COVID-19 still exists. It is important to remember that the incubation period of this disease is 2-14 days. That means that what we see in today’s data reflects the action we took two weeks ago. It also means the actions we take today will affect whether the virus continues to spread in our community.