Larry Jones with the Missouri Center for Public Health Excellence says there are more virus cases than contact tracers can keep up with.

In a news release, the district said the Purchase District Health Department identified the 44 students as close contacts of the student who tested positive for the virus. 

If the Purchase District Health Department finds that anyone has been exposed to the virus, contact tracers will contact those individuals and provide instructions on what they should do, the school district says. 

 "In both counties, local law enforcement and states’ attorneys are not enforcing important mitigation measures like social distancing and the wearing of face coverings," the health department says. "Additionally, some people refuse to participate in contact tracing."

The Kentucky high school football season kicked off on Friday.

The Purchase District and Graves County health departments are increasing staffing to prepare for the potential spread of COVID-19 when students return to schools. 

A business in downtown Paducah has announced a temporary closure after learning some customers were in direct contact with someone who recently tested positive for COVID-19. 

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear reported 371 new COVID-19 cases across the state Tuesday, up more than 100 from the new cases reported Monday.