The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) has issued an advisory for Kentuckians who have traveled to a popular east coast vacation destination.
The advisory was issued for people who have visited Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, over the past two weeks.
The alert follows an increase in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases that began after Myrtle Beach hotels reopened May 15, according to health officials.
On June 11, a group of Kentuckians traveled to Myrtle Beach with at least nine members of the traveling party testing positive for the virus. Officials said another cluster may be linked to a trip to Myrtle Beach in the first week of June.
KDPH advises Kentucky residents who have traveled to Myrtle Beach in the past two weeks to self-quarantine for 14 days and monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms.
Dr. Steven Stack, Kentucky’s Public Health commissioner, said, “If you or someone to whom you are close has been to Myrtle Beach in the past two weeks, please be aware that you have a good probability of having been exposed to the novel coronavirus. Please avoid contact with those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly and anyone with significant medical conditions, including diabetes, obesity and heart disease.”
Recent travelers to Myrtle Beach should be aware of the following:
- A fever of 100.4 degrees or higher
- Respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath or breathing difficulty
- Loss of smell or taste
If any of these symptoms are present, one should be tested COVID-19 as soon as possible.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
