FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Sunday has ended the highest week of new COVID-19 cases in Kentucky since the start of the pandemic.
"If you're not alarmed by these record numbers of COVID-19 cases, you should be," said Gov. Beshear. "I know we’re tired, but if we do not get the spread of this disease under control, we risk a darker, more deadly period this winter than we ever experienced in the spring."
1,423 new cases were reported on Sunday. There are also four additional deaths, bringing the total to 1,489 to die from COVID-19.
Those reported lost to the virus today include a 72-year-old man from Bullitt County; a 64-year-old man from Jefferson County; a 74-year-old man from Jessamine County; and a 64-year-old woman from Madison County.
994 Kentuckians are currently in the hospital from the virus, 250 are in the ICU, and 136 are on a ventilator. The state positivity rate is 6.14%.
Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Fayette, Kenton, Johnson and McCracken.
68 counties are in the "red zone." They're told to follow nine recommendations to slow the spread of COVID-19:
- Employers allow employees to work from home when possible
- Non-critical government offices to operate virtually
- Reduce in-person shopping; order online or curbside pickup
- Order take-out; avoid dining in restaurants or bars
- Prioritize businesses that follow and enforce mask mandate and other guidelines
- Reschedule, postpone, or cancel public and private events
- Do not host or attend gatherings of any size
- Avoid non-essential activities outside of your home
- Reduce overall activity and contacts, and follow existing guidance, including 10 steps to defeat COVID-19
Reporting is limited on Sundays. Additional information, including the number of Kentuckians who have recovered from COVID-19, will be reported Monday.
