COVID-19 cases on the rise in Lexington’s Hispanic community

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - COVID-19 cases are rising across the country, and the commonwealth is no different.

Lexington’s Hispanic community has been hit particularly hard. They’re seeing a disproportionately large percentage of the total positive cases in Fayette County.

Out of the total 1,284 coronavirus cases in Lexington, 25% of those cases are from people who identify as Hispanic, and that’s a group that’s only 7% of the entire Lexington population.

”We don’t watch the news in English,” said Mirna Cerrada, vice president Hispanic Connections of Lexington. “We are trying hard and we know the Hispanic community is getting together with messages in Spanish to let everybody know, but sometimes we are too busy.”

Cerrada says a language barrier could be why some don’t believe the pandemic is happening.

“Especially the Hispanic community, they never stop with this pandemic, people who were in construction, who work in construction roofing, siding, framing, all of them they keep working,” Cerrada said.

Cerrada says she often sees people not wearing masks in grocery stores or having large gatherings.

”We love parties, we love hugs, and we love kisses, but right now is not the right time,” Cerrada said.

Cerrada says every Kentuckian can help. She shares it’s as easy as letting someone who doesn’t speak English know to get tested. This week, the City of Lexington is providing free COVID-19 tests Thursday through Saturday.

Drive-ups and walk-ups will be accepted.

“Please go and get the test so you can protect yourself, and you can protect your family and friends,” Cerrada said.

To Cerrada, it’s about all of us doing our part to help fellow Kentuckians.

Those COVID-19 tests will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at Cardinal Valley Elementary. Friday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m at again at Cardinal Calley Elementary, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Valley Park.

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