Kentucky sets record for daily COVID-19 deaths as Beshear addresses the state
Gov. Andy Beshear announced 805 new cases of COVID-19 and 22 additional deaths in Kentucky on Thursday, edging the state’s case total to 54,772. The death toll is now 1,035.
Twenty-two is the highest number of coronavirus deaths the state has announced in a single day. Beshear warned on Tuesday that new case numbers and deaths would likely be inflated at the end of the week because of a backlog created by the holiday weekend.
It’s been six months since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Kentucky. On Wednesday, the number of people who’ve died from the virus surpassed one thousand.
On Thursday evening, the governor gave a State of the Pandemic address in which he walked through some of what has happened across Kentucky since March: in the beginning, there was a dire shortage of personal protective equipment and tests; the economy was shut down before easing back open; record numbers of Kentuckians became unemployed, though access to unemployment benefits was broadened; the pandemic laid bare stark racial and economic disparities; travel and social interactions were restricted; most schools ended their school years virtually, and many still haven’t reopened; people must wear masks in public.
In the beginning, the virus’ impact was “sudden, shocking and deadly,” Beshear recounted. Even today, he said, “these losses can’t be explained in numbers, alone.”
He rebuked those who claim state officials inflate or lie in reporting virus deaths. “Shame on anybody, including many of our legislators and those who sit online every day, who claim those deaths aren’t real. Let’s be better than that.”
Though it’s hard to believe, Beshear said, “this pandemic will end,” but, “folks, we’re not there yet.”
He again pleaded for people to wear masks, practice social distancing, and wash their hands. “We are asking so little, [but they’re] small but powerful actions that may save somebody’s life.”
The rate of people testing positive on Thursday is 4.14 percent. Beshear has said keeping that number below 5 percent is essential to plans for reopening schools and other activities.
In K-12 school districts, the state reported 33 additional cases of the virus in students and seven in staff. Overall, 378 students and 156 staff are actively infected.
At colleges and universities , 28 students and six staff are newly positive. State numbers show 1,070 students and 46 staff actively have the virus.
In nursing and assisted living homes, 30 additional residents and 26 staff are positive. Close to 500 residents and 325 staff members are currently positive.
Statewide, there are 565 people currently hospitalized with the virus and 133 in intensive care. At least 943,460 total tests have been administered.
This story was originally published September 10, 2020 at 5:29 PM.
