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'This is a health emergency.' | Kentucky sets another record week of positive COVID-19 cases as 1,449 more, 3 deaths reported Sunday

Kentucky’s positivity rate jumped up once again at 8.88%

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — This is a weekly blog with daily updates on COVID-19 numbers and other related content in Kentucky for the week of November 9, 2020. Governor Andy Beshear is scheduled to give live updates Monday through Thursday at 4 p.m.

Sunday, November 15

Kentucky set another record with weekly COVID-19 cases as Gov. Andy Beshear announced another 1,449 cases on Sunday.

Officials also said Sunday’s numbers were the highest ever reported for the day and said the virus was spreading at a “truly alarming rate.”

“This is not a drill; this is a health emergency that we all need to take seriously,” Beshear said in a statement.

Three people have also died including an 84-year-old woman and 85-year-old man from Oldham County. The total people now lost to the virus is 1,661.

Kentucky’s positivity rate jumped up once again at 8.88%

“Kentucky’s state motto is ‘United We Stand, Divided We Fall.’ This motto has never been more applicable than now, as we fight the most deadly pandemic in over 100 years,” said Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Department for Public Health. “Unless Kentuckians come together, we will continue on this dangerous trajectory with disastrous consequences.”

Officials are urging everyone to follow the Red Zone Reduction Recommendations from Nov. 16th through Nov. 22nd. Ninety-four of Kentucky’s 120 counties are in the red zone.

Saturday, November 14

Kentucky once again has reported its highest number of COVID-19 cases with 3,303 as the positivity rate reaches nearly 9%.

In four days, Kentucky has reported more than 11,500 cases and 68 deaths – 11 deaths were also reported on Saturday.

Governor Andy Beshear said if counties don’t grab ahold of red zone recommendations and steps completed to bring case counts down, the state will have no choice but to take additional steps as they move forward.

“This week, we’ve had our highest positivity rates, our highest daily reported case counts and are on track to set yet another unfortunate milestone – another highest week,” Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, said. “We have had some frightening setbacks lately and the outlook is grim. I urge all Kentuckians to protect themselves and others by wearing a mask, watching your space and washing your hands. While we wait for a coronavirus vaccine, we should all be getting the flu vaccine.”

Beshear said 419 children alone tested positive for the virus in the Commonwealth.

“There is so much suffering out there right now,” Gov. Beshear said. “If we’re not careful, it’s going to get even worse than this, which is almost unimaginable compared to where we were months ago.”

There are 1,378 Kentuckians currently hospitalized, 308 in intensive care and 167 on a ventilator.

Jefferson County remains one of four others reporting a high number of positive cases with 642 on Friday -- the county's total reported since the pandemic began. 

Kentucky has reported 136,137 positive cases and 1,658 total deaths.

Friday, November 13

Governor Beshear announced the state's highest ever new COVID-19 total for the second time this week. Today, there are 3,173 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Kentucky. The overall total number of cases in the state is now 132,844.

“Like almost every state in America, we are seeing a surge here in Kentucky that is concerning and deadly,” Beshear said in a release. “But like every state in America, the power to stop it is in our hands."

The state's test positivity rate continues to increase. It is currently 8.68%.

Twenty-five more Kentuckians have died from the virus, bringing the overall total lost to 1,647.

There are currently 1,358 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 307 in ICU and 147 on ventilators. 

“This is the toughest spot we’ve been in so far. Please follow those red zone county recommendations and school recommendations. You must do your part. If you are not wearing a mask, you are putting yourself at personal risk. We cannot let this escalation continue. Everybody’s got to pull their weight. Come on, Team Kentucky. Too many of us are hurting and too many of us are dying," Beshear said.

Thursday, November 12

Governor Andy Beshear confirmed 2,342 new cases of COVID-19. This is the third highest daily total reported, bringing the state's overall total to 129,620 total.

The governor announced 94 Kentucky counties are now in the COVID-19 'red zone.' He continues to urge residents in these areas to follow the Red Zone Reduction Recommendations. 

Kentucky's test positivity rate has increased to 8.29%.

Eighteen more people have died, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths to 1,622.

There are currently 1,311 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 299 in ICU and 163 on ventilators. 

Wednesday, November 11

4:34 p.m.

Governor Andy Beshear announced 2,700 new cases of COVID-19. This is Kentucky's highest ever daily total and brings the overall positive cases to 127,344 .

“This entire state is in danger. COVID-19 is absolutely everywhere. We need everybody to wear your masks and follow red zone reduction recommendations and school recommendations. It is a must if you want to lessen the impact in your community,” Beshear said in a release.

Kentucky's test positivity rate has increased to 8.12%.

There are currently 1,274 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 297 in ICU and 151 on ventilators. 

Fourteen more Kentuckians have died, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the state to 1,604.

Tuesday, November 10

4:15 p.m.

Governor Andy Beshear announced 2,120 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state's total to 124,646. 

Kentucky's test positivity rate is 7.68%.

Fourteen more Kentuckians have died from the virus, bringing the total to 1,590.

State officials issued guidance for Kentuckians to safely celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday:

  • avoid in-person gatherings with people who do not live in your household
  • always wear a face covering or mask
  • maintain a social distance of at least 6 ft. or more
  • avoid large gatherings, especially those held indoors
  • do not host or attend crowded parades
  • avoid shopping in crowded stores before, on or after Thanksgiving

"We ought to celebrate our blessings and stay in touch through Zoom; but we ought to still protect one another," Beshear said.

RELATED: Humana commits to hiring 600 veterans, 150 military spouses in Kentucky

Monday, November 9

4:18 p.m. 

Gov. Andy Beshear has announced 1,745 new COVID-19 cases, the highest ever number of cases for a Monday since the pandemic began. 

Of those new cases reported, 197 were found in those 18-years-old and under. 

The news comes after the state had back-to-back record high weeks of COVID-19 cases. "We are in a significant surge," Beshear said. 

Jefferson County was one of a few counties with a high number of cases coming in with 372 and Fayette (Lexington) with 255. 

The governor said ICU's are beginning to see many more patients. A reported 300 people are currently in the ICU battling the virus with 1,133 hospitalized overall. 

The state lost 11 more people to the virus, bringing that total to 1,576. 

Beshear did warn that Mondays are typically the lowest days and the rest of the week could possibly see more cases. 

______

As of Sunday, Kentucky confirmed a total of 120,833 COVID-19 cases and 1,565 total deaths related to the virus.

Last week, the state recorded 12,196 new cases, which marks the highest number of cases in a single week.

The governor continues to urge those living in Kentucky's 80 'red zone' counties to follow the state's Red Zone Reduction Recommendations

RELATED: Pfizer says COVID-19 vaccine appears to be 90% effective

RELATED: Tips for safely celebrating Thanksgiving amid COVID-19 pandemic

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