Fewer Virus Cases Sunday, But Positivity Rate High

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on Sunday updated Kentuckians on the state's continuing efforts to fight the novel coronavirus, offering some positive news as well as reasons for continued concern.

"Some good news and some bad news in today's COVID-19 report," Beshear said. "In good news, we're ending the week with about 330 fewer cases than we had last week. That's directly attributable to people wearing their facial coverings or masks. Please keep it up, wear them even more, especially when you're inside. On the bad side, our positivity rate, which won't be official until tomorrow for this week, will be higher meaning that the virus continues to spread aggressively."

As of Sunday afternoon, Beshear said there were at least 34,982 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 425 of which were newly reported. Nine of the newly reported cases were from children age 5 and younger.

"We've got a number of counties that have 10 or more new cases – Jefferson, Fayette, Pulaski, Taylor, Hardin, Madison, Casey, Warren and Wayne – and a number that are really close there. So remember no matter where you are in the commonwealth, COVID-19 is spreading," Beshear said. "Nine new kids under 5 have tested positive, so again let's make sure we're protecting each other."

Beshear reported a 71-year-old Pulaski County man died Sunday, raising the total to 773 Kentuckians lost to the virus.

"That's yet another family that is suffering during this time," He said.

Due to limited reporting on Sundays, some statistics are unavailable until Monday.

"Last week, we saw rising case counts of COVID-19 in all but five Kentucky counties. COVID-19 is still out there and it's still a threat. We are encouraged, though, by the many Kentuckians taking this seriously and taking steps to keep themselves and others safer, including wearing a mask." Said Commissioner of the Department for Public Health Dr. Steven Stack," More Kentuckians will get COVID-19 resulting in more hospitalizations and deaths, but we know what to do right now to mitigate the risk. Every time we take steps, such as wearing masks and social distancing, it impacts how many Kentuckians will test positive, how many businesses, schools and other places where we gather can remain open, and how many Kentuckians will get hurt." He added.

Stack urged residents to remember anytime they leave their homes it increases the risk of exposure. 

"If you do, please do it in a safe way," Stack said. "Continue to wear a mask. When possible, walk or bike to your destination or take your own vehicle. Avoid interacting closely with people and unnecessarily touching things. Keep disinfecting wipes or hand sanitizer with you. Wash your hands frequently. If you sneeze, sneeze into your elbow. If you sneeze into a cloth mask, wash your mask when you get home."