Gov. Andy Beshear announced nearly 300 new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) have been diagnosed in Kentucky, raising the state’s total to nearly 3,000 victims.
Beshear said at his daily briefing on Sunday that 273 new cases have been confirmed, increasing Kentucky’s total to at least 2,960 cases. The governor reported four new deaths, raising the commonwealth’s death toll to 148 (5.0 percent fatality rate).
The four newly reported deaths include a 93-year-old woman from Graves County, a 94-year-old woman from Hopkins County, an 85-year-old woman from Jackson County, and a 61-year-old man from Jefferson County.
“We are still in the midst of this fight against a deadly and highly contagious virus,” the governor said.
At least 1,122 (37.9 percent) victims have recovered from COVID-19, Beshear said.
At least 1,011 (34.2 percent) COVID-19 victims have been hospitalized, with 265 people currently in the hospital, the governor said. At least 532 (18.0 percent) people have been treated in ICU, with at least 149 victims currently in intensive care.
To date, at least 32,319 people have been tested for COVID-19 in Kentucky.
Benchmarks for reopening economy
Beshear reiterated the details about newly announced benchmarks the commonwealth must meet in order to begin reopening the state’s economy, while also keeping Kentuckians safe. The governor said the state’s seven benchmarks – which reflect guidance from the White House – would determine the phases for reopening parts of the economy.
Benchmark criteria for Kentucky to move to the first stage:
- 14 days of decreasing cases
- Increased testing capacity and contact tracing
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) availability
- Ability to protect at-risk populations
- Ability to social distance and follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on large gatherings
- Preparedness for possible future spike
- Status of vaccine and treatment
“So let’s make sure as much as were looking at those benchmarks and were looking at the future, that we are acting in the present and we are doing the things that it takes to protect one another,” Beshear said.
Additional information
Read about 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 CDC encourages people to follow these steps to prevent illness. Kentuckians who want advice can call the state hotline at 800-722-5725 or call their local health care provider.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
