Kentucky’s COVID-19 Cases Continue to Escalate

After 1,295 new positive COVID-19 cases were reported in Kentucky Saturday, Governor Andy Beshear said things are not moving in the right direction and they continue to escalate.

The governor said this is the highest number of cases reported on a Saturday, and the fourth-highest day of positive coronavirus cases. He added, “this virus is our enemy, not each other.”

Of the newly reported cases, Governor Beshear said 162 were from children 18-years old and younger, of which 27 were five and under. He added the youngest was just seven days old.

Governor Beshear also reported twelve new deaths Saturday, including an 85-year-old man from Hopkins County. The state’s death toll rose to 1,312.

As of Saturday, a total of 86,797 COVID cases have been confirmed in the commonwealth and includes 1,312 deaths linked to the virus.

Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack said October is on pace to be the highest ever number of coronavirus cases reported in Kentucky within a month. He added we’re in the midst of an escalation in cases and hospitalizations are increasing now, too. He said as the holidays approach, it’s imperative to limit further spread. To reduce our chances of contracting COVID-19, Dr. Stack reminded Kentuckians again to practice social distancing, wear a face covering, and practice good hand hygiene.

As of Saturday, more than 1.79 million tests had been administered. The governor reported the state’s positive rate stood at 4.62%.