FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — As the holiday weekend comes to an end, Governor Andy Beshear's office announced 2,803 new cases of COVID-19.
In a statement, the governor thanked those Kentuckians who changed their Thanksgiving plans to try and do their part to slow the spread.
"To every family who changed their traditions this year to keep others safe – thank you. To our only line health care workers and first responders who have put your own safety at risk during this pandemic – thank you. To our tireless neighbors battling food insecurity and making sure Kentuckians can put dinner on the table, on Thanksgiving and every day – thank you. And to the retail, grocery, logistics and food and beverage professionals who did the right thing to keep yourselves and customers safe this week – thank you. To these heroes, and so many others, you are all the best of Team Kentucky," said Gov. Beshear.
Hospitals across the country are seeing more patients as the pandemic numbers continue to skyrocket.
Right now, 1,709 in-patients at Kentucky hospitals have COVID-19. 407 of those patients are in the ICU and 218 are on a ventilator.
On Sunday morning, Lexington-based hospital officials sent an open letterto the community, cautioning Kentuckians that hospitals are prepared for a surge of patients, "but there is a limit."
The officials are asking Kentuckians to stand strong in the fight against the virus, asking everyone to "wear a mask. Avoid gatherings — not just with strangers, but with extended family members."
“The massive increase of COVID-19 in the commonwealth during November has shattered prior records,” said Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Department for Public Health. “As we finish the Thanksgiving weekend, we need to show our kindness and caring for each other now more than ever. The spread of the virus is at an all-time high, but science and experience have shown that we are not powerless to shape our future. If we all wear masks, stay six feet away from those outside our home, limit travel and stay home if we are sick, we can put ourselves on a better path, stay safe and suppress COVID-19.”
11 more Kentuckians have died after contracting COVID-19. The death toll now stands at 1,896.
