There are now 2,707 confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Kentucky after 206 new cases were announced by Gov. Andy Beshear at his daily briefing on Saturday.
Seven new deaths were also reported, increasing the state’s total to 144 (5.3 percent fatality rate).
The seven deaths include a 78-year-old woman from Pike County; two 95-year-old women from Jefferson County; an 83-year-old man from Butler County; an 85-year-old woman from Kenton County; and a 90-year-old man from Campbell County. Grayson County’s first COVID0-19 death, William Dean Smith, 96, is included in the new total.
At least 1,174 (43.4 percent) people have recovered from COVID-19 in Kentucky. To date, at least 32,225 people have been tested.
Currently, 274 COVID-19 victims are hospitalized and at least 1,059 (39.1 percent) people have at one point been admitted to a hospital for treatment. One-hundred-fifty-five victims are currently being treated in ICU while 534 (19.7 percent) victims have at some point been treated in intensive care.
Testing update
Beshear provided an update on testing efforts and said four new sites would come online next week in Madisonville, Paducah, Somerset, and Pikeville.
He said testing in Kenton County has gone well as the site has tested nearly 900 Kentuckians. Additional testing updates will be announced by the governor, likely on Wednesday.
Those seeking to obtain a test can get location and registration details at KROGERHEALTH.COM/COVIDTESTING.
People eligible for the test include people exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, shortness of breath and cough. Healthcare workers and first responders who may have been exposed to coronavirus are also eligible as is anyone with mild symptoms who also may have been exposed to COVID-19.
The test is free of charge. The overall goal of the partnership is to conduct 20,000 tests over the next five weeks. Test results are expected within approximately 48 hours.
Read other key updates, actions and information from Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.gov, kycovid19.ky.gov and the governor’s official social media accounts Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages people to follow these steps to prevent illness. Kentuckians who want advice can call the state hotline at 800-722-5725.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
