FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Governor Andy Beshear has announced 3,408 new COVID-19 cases the day before the Thanksgiving holiday.
The governor says all Kentuckians should follow safety precautions during Thanksgiving as cases rise in Kentucky and across the United States.
"Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, and usually we get together with about 15 people," said Gov. Beshear. "This year, we just can't do that. I'm really disappointed, like all of us are, but protecting my parents, my kids, our neighbors and all of our health care workers has to come first. I'm grateful for all Kentuckians who are sacrificing this year to keep each other safe."
26 new deaths were reported Wednesday, bringing the total number of Kentuckians who have died from the virus to 1,835. 1,734 are currently in the hospital for coronavirus-related reasons, 409 are in the ICU, and 216 are on a ventilator. The state's positivity rate is 8.88%.
Top counties with the most positive cases Wednesday are Jefferson, Fayette, Kenton, Boone, Warren, Hardin, and Madison. Each county reported 100 or more new cases.
The governor says receiving one negative COVID-19 test result days before a gathering can't guarantee that you won't infect others at that event.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends Americans avoid Thanksgiving travel.