LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer’s weekly COVID-19 briefing had a solemn start Tuesday when he announced that Jefferson County has hit 1,000 deaths due to the disease. 

What You Need To Know

  • Jefferson County hits 1,000 COVID-19 deaths

  • Downward trend continues in Jefferson County for COVID-19 deaths, cases, hospitalizations, and patients in ICU

  • Those vaccinated don't need to get tested, unless showing symptoms

  • Louisville’s health department asks everyone to get vaccinated

However, Dr. Sarah Moyer with Louisville’s public health department also said the downward trend with COVID-19 deaths in the county continues. She said the same about patients hospitalized and in the ICU due to the disease.

At the COVID-19 briefing at Broadbent Arena, Fischer also provided hope. He said Louisville is close to the finish line, but there’s a race right now between vaccines and the COVID-19 variants. 

“So everybody please use this sad milestone to stay focused to help us get through this terrible pandemic that we’ve been through here, and do that in honor of those that we’ve lost, please,” Fischer said, regarding the 1,000th COVID-19 death announced.

“I know nationally we’ve been seeing news coverage in the recent weeks about COVID cases and hospitalizations spiking at alarming rates across the Midwest, Northeast, and other areas, but it brings me comfort knowing that it’s not the case here in Louisville,” Moyer said.

Moyer also said these people should still be getting tested for COVID-19:

  • Aren’t vaccinated
  • Went on vacation
  • Expanded their social bubble, such as dining out or going back to work
  • Anyone showing symptoms (vaccinated or not)

Moyer also asked everyone to get vaccinated. On Monday, Kentucky opened up COVID-19 vaccinations to anyone 16 and up.

“We all want to get back to our pre-pandemic activities and vaccination is the way we are gonna do that, but we need all of you,” Moyer said.

With the downward trend of COVID-19 continuing in Jefferson County and vaccines available, Louisville’s mayor asked everyone to not let up.

“And just because, ‘Well, it feels better; I’m going to rip my mask off,’ well remember the 1,000 people that have died in our community and kind of dedicate this next month or two to doing all of these health practices so we can get rid of this bad boy virus.”

At Tuesday’s update, Fischer also recognized volunteers with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. They have helped at Louisville’s mass vaccination site at Broadbent Arena as part of the city’s monthlong Give A Day service event.

Fischer and Moyer said more volunteers are needed as vaccination efforts expand. If you’re interested to volunteer call 502-439-6978 or sign-up here. 

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