Gov. Andy Beshear announced at his daily coronavirus (COVID-19) briefing on Tuesday that 191 new cases of the virus have been confirmed in Kentucky, along with 10 new deaths.
There have now been 6,853 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 321 (4.7 percent fatality rate) deaths.
The new deaths include a 74-year-old woman from Boone County; a 59-year-old man from Fayette County; an 85-year-old woman from Hopkins County; two women, ages 57 and 77, and an 85-year-old man from Jefferson County; and three women, ages 91, 89 and 91, and an 85-year-old man from Kenton County.
“It hurts to lose 321 people to this,” Beshear said. “So let’s remember that it’s real. Let’s remember that it’s taken people from us. This isn’t made up. It’s a lot worse and a lot more deadly than the flu. I believe every Kentuckian has value; I believe every Kentuckian counts. I mourn for these 321 people and I’m going to do everything I can to make sure we don’t unnecessarily lose people going forward.”
At least 2,546 (37.2 percent) Kentuckians have recovered from the virus.
There are currently 379 patients hospitalized with the virus, while 1,825 (26.6 percent) victims have been treated in a hospital. Currently, there are 215 people receiving treatment in intensive care, with a total of 783 (11.4 percent) victims ever treated in ICU.
Beshear said at least 110,609 COVID-19 tests have been administered in Kentucky.
Phase 3 of healthcare reopening
Wednesday marks the next step in the reopening of the state’s healthcare sector.
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services issued directives governing the opening of hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
Beginning May 13, hospitals and long- and short-term care facilities can begin performing non-emergency surgeries and procedures at 50 percent of their pre-COVID-19 patient volume. Facility administrators will determine their own patient capacities starting May 27, as long as progress continues.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
