HARTFORD, Ky. — Ohio County Judge-Executive David Johnston gave his weekly update on the COVID-19 pandemic in Ohio County. In the update, Johnston urged Ohio county residents to follow health guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Johnston began the update by discussing the current situation in Ohio County and the Green River Area Development District.
“Folks, things are not getting any better,” Johnston began his update. “We’ve had nine deaths and we’re up to 84 in the GRADD, many of those folks were from our county and ended up moving slightly away and are Ohio County home people if you will. This is something we need to be very serious about.”
In every update, Johnston reminded Ohio Countians to do what they could to stop the spread of the disease, but in this update, Johnston pleaded with residents to follow guidelines set forth by medical professionals.
“As time goes on, it seems like we’ve gotten more and more lax with our mask wearing and social distancing,” Johnston said. “I really want to urge you today, please, wear your mask, watch your distance and wash your hands. Do what you know to do to stop the spread.”
Johnston said he didn’t want people to stop going to stores, but when visiting businesses, wear face masks and try to avoid groups of people where social distancing is not in place. Johsnton also warned against social gatherings where social distancing isn’t possible.
“As happy an occasion as a wedding is, at this time the weddings are the hotspots for people getting COVID-19. I guess it’s hard to keep social distancing at a wedding,” Johnston said.
Johnston asked those visiting businesses who see someone not wearing a mask, tell an employee or the business owner to enforce the face mask mandate.
“Tell them you’ve come (to the business) to patronize them and you don’t want to get COVID-19 while you’re there,” Johnston said.
Johnston reminded Ohio Countians the mask mandate is a law.
“Nobody’s going around arresting people, but it shouldn’t have to be that way,” Johnston said. I’d encourage you to (wear a face mask) because it’s the law and also because it’s the right thing to do. You don’t want to be sick, none of us want to be sick and we don’t want to make everyone else sick.”
To view Johnston’s COVID-19 update, click here.