FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — On Saturday, Governor Andy Beshear reported 3,388 new cases of COVID-19 across the state.
The positivity rate is now 8.58%.
27 more Kentuckians have died after contracting COVID-19, raising the death toll to 2,731.
There are 1,655 COVID-positive patients at Kentucky hospitals. 438 of those patients are in the ICU, and 253 are currently on a ventilator.
In his update, Governor Beshear says mitigation efforts have stopped the growth of COVID-19.
“What we are seeing is that the measures we have taken are working,” said Gov. Beshear. “We have stopped the increase in cases, which we knew we had to do before we can start to decrease those numbers. Let’s all commit to doing what we know is right – wearing masks, social distancing, washing our hands and limiting our holiday gatherings – so we can beat this virus once and for good.”
With Christmas around the corner, there was new guidance issued for the holidays. Dr. Steven Stack says it's important to be cautious even as vaccine availability increases.
“Perseverance in the weeks ahead is critical as vaccine supplies increase and we work towards COVID-19 immunizations available to Kentuckians as 2021 unfolds,” said Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Department for Public Health. “It would be an added tragedy to reverse our hard won progress through leisure travel and large gatherings. Some hospitals are already near full capacity and that could make it difficult to receive care if there is an added holiday surge. Watch your space, wear a mask, and wash your hands to ensure that 2021 is a year of hope and healing.”
