FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are 6,440 COVID-19 cases and 304 coronavirus-related deaths in the state of Kentucky.
Saturday's results include 158 new cases and six new deaths. Of the 6,440 cases, there have been 2,308 recoveries.
Earlier this week, Governor Beshear was laying out guidelines for places of worship to open in-person services safely on May 20th. But due to a court order, they will be able to resume immediately.
"I really hope that these rulings don't have some places going back faster than they should, not doing everything that needs to be done and causing the spread of this virus,"said Beshear.
Governor Beshear hopes all faith leaders read through the guidances and if they aren't ready to open they shouldn't.
He reiterated that this virus affects people of all ages. A breakdown of the total cases in Kentucky shows that 30 percent are people between the ages of 20 and 40 years old, and another 46 percent are people between the ages of 40 and 70 years old.
"For those that think this just hits people who are in their 70's and older, that's just about 19 percent of our cases," said Beshear. "Yes, it's absolutely deadlier in the 60 and up population, a mortality of I think almost 27 percent when you look at that but it's hitting everybody."
And with Healthy at Work not far in the distance, Governor Beshear says increasing our testing capacity is more important than ever.
"I would say if you are going back to work in the next couple of weeks, I recommend you go get a test, none of us want to infect our coworkers," said Beshear. "Now you don't have to go back to work but that's something I would recommend just to make sure you know where you are."
Dr. Steven Stack took a moment to emphasize how well the state of Kentucky has done and continues to do in slowing down the spread of COVID-19, but urged everyone to not take the moment for granted, especially since the weather will continue to get nicer.
"The disease is still out there," said Dr. Stack. "When it hits the people most vulnerable, it's devastating."
"For those of you who are listening, for those who care about who you love, even as restrictions are lifted and other things that society is demanding of us, there has never been a time more important than now," Dr. Stack added, also stating the importance to keep social distancing and wearing masks.
