Going into holiday weekend, Beshear reports 299 new COVID cases, 4 deaths

The commonwealth experienced an increase of 299 newly reported COVID cases, bringing the state’s total to 16,376, Governor Andy Beshear announced Friday afternoon.

Additionally, four more Kentuckians have died from the coronavirus, including a 70-year-old man from Fayette County. There have been 585 total COVID-related fatalities in Kentucky.

Beshear said that several states, including Arizona and Texas, that are experiencing significant increases in cases, leading to single-day national highs in new positive cases in the past week. He asked Kentuckians to set an example during the holiday weekend.

“Kentuckians’ selflessness was demonstrated over Passover/Easter weekend and again over Memorial Day weekend,” Beshear said. “This weekend, we have another opportunity to show care and consideration for our fellow Kentuckians, especially those at higher risk for severe illness and even death.”

Beshear encouraged those celebrating to add green to their red, white and blue lights to commemorate the Kentuckians who have died from the coronavirus in the past months.

Hospitals are still feeling the impact of the high COVID case volume. As of July 3, 455 patients were hospitalized with 99 in the ICU. That is the greatest volume of COVID patients in hospitals and ICUs since June 11 and May 19, respectively.

More Kentuckians — 430,071 as of Friday — are getting tested. That was a 10,013 increase from Thursday.

Fayette County has also experienced an increase in cases in recent days. According to Lexington Health Department data, on July 3 the county reported 38 new positive cases, just one case shy of the top five highest one-day totals to date.

There was also one death reported within the county.

Now, total Fayette County cases stand at 1,599 with 30 fatalities.

Lexington Health Department data suggests that some of the increases since June 23 are partially due to delays in testing and reporting.

Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Department for Public Health, provided some guidelines for those participating in holiday weekend gatherings, including wearing a mask, bringing separate food, drinks and utensils for meals, and practicing good hand hygiene.

“The coronavirus is still out there and each of us has a role in preventing further spread of the virus,” Dr. Slack said. “We can all have a memorable and safe holiday weekend if we keep these important guidelines in mind.”

This story was originally published July 3, 2020 at 7:55 PM.