LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville health experts are keeping people on alert as statewide COVID-19 data shows a steady rise in cases over the last two months.

The week of May 25, there were 258 positive laboratory tests for COVID-19, state data shows. The week of July 27, that number grew seven-fold to 1,832.

"New variants tend to drive a surge in cases," Dr. Kristina Bryant, associate medical director at the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and a pediatric infectious disease specialist with Norton Children's, said in a news release Friday. "Fortunately, however, hospitalizations and emergency department visits for COVID remain low."

Here are five steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting COVID-19, according to Louisville health experts:

  • Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
    • Although people who are vaccinated can get the virus, staying up to date on vaccines significantly lowers the risk of becoming seriously ill.
    • Updated 2024 – 2025 vaccines will be available this fall.
  • Practice good hygiene
    • Cover your coughs and sneezes.
    • Wash your hands well with soap and water.
    • Use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
    • Use household cleaners that contain soap or detergent to remove germs and dirt on surfaces.
  • Take steps for cleaner air
    • Increase airflow and bring as much fresh air into the home by opening doors and windows and/or using exhaust fans.
  • You can resume normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
    • You no longer feel ill and your symptoms are mild and infrequent, AND
    • You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication.
  • When you go back to your normal activities, continue to take added precautions over the next 5 days such as continuing steps for cleaner air and practicing good hand hygiene. You can also
    • Wear a mask
    • Put a physical distance between yourself and others
    • Get tested before you will be around other people indoors.

A new version of the shot to best fight the current strain of COVID-19 comes out in September.

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