LOUISVILLE, Ky. — This is a weekly blog with daily updates on COVID-19 numbers, COVID vaccine and other related content across Kentucky for the week of April 26, 2021. Gov. Beshear will do public briefing on Monday and Thursday this week.
Sunday, May 2
Gov. Andy Beshear’s office has announced an additional 368 cases of COVID-19 in Kentucky.
Five more deaths were reported Sunday including one from the death audit. The state’s total of those who lost their lives to the virus in the Commonwealth is 6,517.
The state also reported another 92 cases for Jefferson County included in Sunday’s total. The county has confirmed 81,037 cases and 1,178 deaths.
The positivity rate is at 3.43%.
Also, officials said 416 people were hospitalized, 106 in intensive care and 48 on a ventilator.
There are 1,768,443 Kentuckians that have received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Gov. Beshear is still encouraging Kentuckians to get their "One Shot of Hope."
Since the pandemic began last year, Kentucky has confirmed 445,139 cases of the virus.
Saturday, May 1
Kentucky is reporting 646 new cases of COVID-19 and 12 deaths on Saturday.
The positivity rate crept back up to 3.40%.
State officials say 1,767,469 Kentuckians have been vaccinated.
Friday, April 30
Governor Andy Beshear confirmed 723 new cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth Friday. The state's positivity rate inched back up to 3.22% from 3.12% Thursday.
Additionally, 1,760,933 Kentuckians have now received at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Beshear wished all Kentuckians a happy Derby weekend and provided a reminder of COVID-19 guidelines.
“I hope all Kentuckians enjoy Oaks today and the Derby tomorrow – I know we’re so excited to get back to a more normal celebration of such a special tradition,” said Gov. Beshear. “It’s important to keep yourselves and others safe. Mask up when you’re inside or in large groups, and most important, get vaccinated if you haven’t yet.”
Thursday, April 29
Kentucky reported 796 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday.
The state's test positivity rate is now 3.12%.
So far, 1,751,541 Kentuckians have received at least their first dose of the vaccine.
According to the governor's office, about 750,000 residents need to receive the vaccine to reach the goal of 2.5 million in the Team Kentucky Vaccination Challenge.
“Every day, thousands more Kentuckians get their shot of hope, but we need to accelerate our progress,” Gov. Beshear said in a release. “The sooner more Kentuckians get vaccinated, the faster we can lift more restrictions.”
Wednesday, April 28
Kentucky reported 747 new cases of COVID-19 and nine more deaths.
The state's test positivity rate is currently 3.11%.
So far, 1,742,037 Kentuckians have received at least their first dose of the vaccine.
“This week, I’ve visited a few of our state’s most unique vaccination sites – from a mobile clinic run out of an emergency management van that can meet people where they are, to a pop-up clinic at a professional soccer game,”Gov. Beshear said in a release. “No matter where you are, there’s a convenient, and sometimes even fun, place where you can get your shot of hope, protect yourself and save lives.”
Tuesday, April 27
Gov. Andy Beshear’s daily press briefings will return next Monday, however, state officials have confirmed another 716 cases of the virus in Kentucky.
Jefferson County also had 94 cases included in Tuesday’s numbers.
Seventeen deaths were reported including 7 deaths in the audit, that brings the state’s total to 6,476.
The state’s positivity rate is at 3.17%
Kentucky is reporting 397 hospitalized, 103 in intensive care and 41 on a ventilator.
The state said about 1,732,791 of the population have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
Monday, April 26
Gov. Andy Beshear has announced restrictions loosening for some outdoor events in the Commonwealth.
During his Monday media briefing, the governor said groups can now attend outdoor events or venues without masks if there’s less than 1,000 people if you "are" vaccinated. If you are not, he's urging you to continue masking up and get the vaccine.
He’s basing his decision on Kentucky’s strong vaccination efforts and the dip in weekly COVID-19 cases.
“What this means is at events like the Kentucky Derby, you still have to wear a mask, but if you’re at a backyard barbeque, your community pool or an outdoor wedding, you’re not required to wear a mask,” Gov. Beshear said. “We hope this is a relief for people, and remember, the state will be able to lift even more restrictions once the 2.5 million vaccine Team Kentucky Vaccination Challenge is reached.”
This goes into effect on Tuesday.
However, Beshear made it clear large events like soccer matches and the Kentucky Derby are still required to mask up.
Beshear said the state has 733,654 more vaccines to go before any other restrictions are eased.
Coronavirus numbers
The governor also announced new COVID-19 numbers including 213 new cases reported on Monday.
There were also 11 deaths (4 new and 7 from the audit) and it brings the statewide total to 6,459 Kentuckians who have died from the virus.
Kentucky’s positivity rate continues to hover around 3.15%.
There are currently 414 hospitalized, 108 in intensive care and 47 on a ventilator.
Seven counties also remain in the red zone.
Kentucky has reported 441,166 positive cases of COVID-19 since tracking began last year.
The state is reporting nearly 5.5 million COVID-19 tests given.
Vaccine progress
Kentucky continues to make strides in getting Kentuckians vaccinated, however, Beshear said it has slowed a bit.
He gave a breakdown of the progress each age demographic in Kentucky is making when it comes to vaccination.
- 75% of 70 & older
- 65% 60-69 years old
- 48% 50-59 years old
- 39% 40-49 years old
Beshear said the vaccinations of those in their 20's and 30's are even lower.
More than 1.7 million Kentuckians have received their first dose vaccinations.
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