FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — 15 more people have died from the coronavirus, bringing the total number of people who have died in Kentucky to 1,476.
Gov. Beshear announced 1,941 new cases of COVID-19. 974 Kentuckians are currently hospitalized from the virus, 241 are in the ICU, and 121 are on a ventilator. The state's positivity rate is 6.19%.
"We absolutely must double down in terms of applying caution," said KDPH commissioner Dr. Steven Stack. "With nearly 70 counties now in the red zone, I am pleading with you to observe both Halloween and Red Zone Reduction Recommendations. Lives and livelihoods literally depend on all of us doing our part."
The top counties with the most positive cases Friday are: Jefferson, Fayette, Kenton, Hardin, Warren and Campbell.
68 counties are currently in the "red zone." People living in those counties are being asked to follow the recommendations from Monday, November 2 through Sunday, November 8. They include:
- 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
