Louisville health officials expect post-Derby COVID-19 spike
LOUISVILLE, KY — A spike in new COVID-19 cases is expected following last week's Kentucky Derby, according to Louisville's Chief Health Strategist.
On Tuesday, Chief Health Strategist Dr. Sarah Moyer said she expects a spike in COVID-19 cases linked to Derby Week. On Saturday, more than 50,000 fans were spread throughout Churchill Downs. It's a third of a typical Derby crowd pre-pandemic but enough to be the largest sporting event turnout since the pandemic began.
“So we are expecting an increase number in cases post-Derby and we saw an increase in cases last week even from Spring Break and people traveling and being out and about more," Moyer said during a weekly COVID-19 briefing.
Whether it will be a significant spike remains to be seen.
The races began last Tuesday, "Champions Day," and attendance grew each day. On Saturday, the official attendance of the Kentucky Derby was 51,383. There are plenty of examples of people close to one another wearing and not wearing face coverings. Masks are currently required for outdoor events with more than 1,000 people.
Read more: https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/coronavirus/2021/05/04/louisville-health-officials-expect-post-derby-covid-spike