Spread of COVID-19 in Hopkins Co. continues, Carhartt making face masks

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Hopkins County is up to 28, but the number of actual infections is likely much higher.

Public Health Director Denise Beach says many citizens who are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms are being instructed to remain quarantined at home when it’s possible.

Beach called the COVID-19 outbreak in Hopkins County ‘widespread’ earlier in the week and she’s pleading with residents to abide by social distancing and hygiene directives. She urged churches to have virtual services Sunday instead of the popular ‘drive-in’ services saying human nature drives folks to still have contact with one another in that setting and it would likely cause the spread of the virus.

In a piece of good news, Madisonville Mayor Kevin Cotton and Judge-Executive Jack Whitfield praised the Carhartt plant for retooling to produce face masks to protect medical personnel and first responders.

Two people have died from the coronavirus in Hopkins County since the pandemic began.