Spike in coronavirus cases continues in Kentucky, with 836 new cases reported Saturday
New cases of coronavirus continue to spike in Kentucky, with the state reporting 836 new cases and five more deaths Saturday.
It was the second-highest number of new COVID-19 cases reported in a single day so far in Kentucky and brings the state’s total to 26,764, Gov. Andy Beshear said in a news release Saturday afternoon.
Beshear called the increase “concerning,” saying, “We expect to take additional steps next week if the case numbers don’t stabilize.”
Kentucky’s rate of positive tests over the past week is 5.41 percent.
“Yesterday, there were more than 74,000 new cases and more than 1,000 deaths reported across the country,” Beshear said in the release. “We know how to control this virus. We’ve seen states like New York – which had hospitals overflowing with sick patients in March and April – now reporting a positivity rate of 1% or less. If they can do it, we can do it. But we have to work together, stay smart and wear face coverings.”
The new cases reported in Kentucky Saturday included 22 children ages 5 and under, he said.
The five coronavirus-related deaths reported Saturday bring the state’s total to 696 and included two Fayette County women, ages 68 and 93, as well as three men, ages 66, 79 and 80, from Ohio, Casey and Christian counties, respectively.
Dr. Steven Stack, Kentucky’s public health commissioner, said Kentucky can avoid the packed ICUs and increasing deaths other states have experienced.
“Our personal choices, right now and every day, will directly determine Kentucky’s situation in early August,” he said in the release. “Small acts of kindness and personal sacrifice will make a big difference. We can choose to delay a party or picnic. We can shop for groceries or go to the pharmacy when it’s less crowded. We can opt for an online or drive-up worship service. We can wear a face mask. Every one of us has a role to play in determining Team Kentucky’s future.”
