As COVID case numbers continue to soar in Kentucky, could peak be within sight?
The rate of Kentuckians testing positive for COVID-19 continues to escalate, and, on Thursday for the first time in the pandemic, that rate surpassed 31%.
The state reported 13,614 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, 20 deaths, and a positivity rate of 31.37%, up from Wednesday’s 30.77%.
The last two weeks have brought far and away record-setting numbers of new coronavirus cases — the commonwealth logged 72,165 cases last week, more than double the highest weekly total during the delta surge. In a press conference earlier on Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear said this week’s totals are on track to exceed last week. Since Sunday, the state has reported 51,313 new infections.
But there may be a light nearing at the end of the tunnel, the governor said.
“Our hope is that we’re within a couple of weeks of peaking,” Beshear said, referencing infection curves in other states like New York and Washington, D.C., where omicron surges that began before Kentucky’s are now leveling off, if not declining.
In the meantime, COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to rise, threatening to further burden the state’s fatigued health care system. By Thursday, 2,298 people had been admitted to hospitals across Kentucky with coronavirus (an increase of 42 people in the last day, 200 more than a week ago); 434 are in intensive care units with coronavirus (21 fewer); and 271 people are relying on a ventilator to breathe (an increase of 19).
Minutes before Kentucky’s daily coronavirus report was posted, Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton announced she and her husband, Charlie, had tested positive. Both are fully vaccinated and boosted.
“We both have mild symptoms,” Gorton said.
Statewide, 55% of the population — 65% of adults — are fully vaccinated, and 22% of people — 28% of adults — have received a booster shot, according to the Kentucky Department for Public Health.
