The Christian County Health Department is asking that anyone who participates in any demonstrations or gatherings in the community to get tested for COVID-19, wear facemasks, and to practice proper techniques to guard against the spread of the coronavirus.
The Christian County Health Department reported three new active COVID-19 cases Friday. In the past week, there have been 21 new cases reported in the county with 10 of those African-Americans. The number of African-Americans in Christian County that have tested positive for COVID-19 has increased five percent in the past week. The 27 total active cases are the most in Christian County since May 5.
A community rally was held Sunday at the Christian County Justice Center for an “I Can’t Breathe Rally” in memory of George Floyd, the African-American man who died May 26 after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for over eight minutes during an arrest. The death has sparked international outrage and community protests against police brutality across the nation.
Kayla Bebout, the public health director of the health department, didn’t say if any of the new cases were people that had attended a recent protest or demonstration. However, the health department sent out a release Friday afternoon encouraging those participating in recent demonstrations to get tested for COVID-19. Bebout says anyone who plans to attend a future protest should wear a face mask, wear eye protection, use hand sanitizer, and stay at least six feet away from large groups.
A demonstration in Hopkinsville is planned for Saturday afternoon at four at Peace Park to address improvements in police relations with the African-American community.
The health department says there is now a total of 138 confirmed cases in Christian County with 108 recoveries and three total deaths in Christian County connected to COVID-19.
