Gov. Andy Beshear said at his daily coronavirus (COVID-19) briefing on Monday that 102 new cases of the virus have been diagnosed over the previous 24 hours. Kentucky now has at least 3,050 COVID-19 cases.
The governor said six new deaths were reported Monday, increasing the state’s death toll to 154 (5.0 percent fatality rate).
The six newly reported deaths include a 92-year-old woman from Adair County, a 59-year-old woman from Crittenden County, an 85-year-old woman from Hopkins County, and two women, ages 62 and 76, and a 64-year-old man from Jefferson County.
“We’re thinking about these families,” the governor said. “We’re going to continue to light our homes up green to let them know they are not alone, to show the color of compassion and renewal.”
Beshear said a Kentucky State Police Honor Guard will mark the deaths Tuesday during a wreath-laying ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda.
“Tomorrow, we are going to do a presentation of wreaths here at the Capitol in honor of the more than 150 Kentuckians lost,” he said.
The governor said at least 1,144 (35.5 percent) people have recovered from COVID-19, while 1,017 (33.3 percent) people have been hospitalized, with 263 currently hospitalized. Officials said at least 532 (17.4 percent) patients have been treated in the ICU, with at least 147 victims currently in intensive care.
To date, at least 32,830 people have been tested for the virus in Kentucky.
Governor mentions the loss of William Dean Smith
Beshear underscored the recent death of Leitchfield’s William Dean Smith during the briefing, as he became Grayson County’s first coronavirus fatality on Friday.
“Tonight, we lift up William, his family, his community in Grayson County and beyond, and recognize what a profound loss this is,” Beshear said. “This should reinforce our resolve to do our best every day to protect those around us. We’ve now lost at least a couple of war heroes. Let’s make sure we’re doing our part. Let’s make sure we’re living up to the example that his generation set for us. Let’s make sure that we protect people from this virus.”
COVID-19 information
Read about 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 or your local healthcare provider.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
