Local COVID-19 Update; Three New Fatalities

Worldwide, cases of the Omicron Variant COVID-19 cases are falling but still remain at record high levels in certain countries. A new sub-variant of Omicron “BA.2” has been identified in several locations that are still experiencing a high case count.

Locally, our infection rate is below one for the first time in 2022 (currently 0.92). The infection rate for all of our neighboring counties is also below one, which is a very encouraging sign. When the infection rate is below one, cases are predicted to be in a downturn.

The case fatality rate (the ratio of how many cases result in death) for Omicron is significantly less than with previous variants. In Fayette County, there have been three reported deaths in the last week after a three week gap with no reported deaths. There have been 98 total fatalities since the start of the pandemic. Our hospitals and doctors’ offices have seen a sharp rise in contacts, but admissions remain fairly uncommon. Currently we remain in the single digits for Fayette County residents that are hospitalized due to COVID-19.

– From Craig Moreau, Fayette County Emergency Management Chief