Kentucky reported 2,437 installments of COVID-19 and 14 new deaths on Saturday.
Cases are down from Thanksgiving's record high of 3,870 cases, but testing also declined within the holiday. Kentucky continues to be in the middle of an immediate escalation.
Medical experts the coming weeks are likely to be challenging as cases are expected to develop in the coming weeks as holiday gatherings translate into new transmissions.
To date, a minimum of 1,885 Kentuckians have died of COVID-19 in Kentucky, another 1,722 are currently hospitalized using the virus and 220 of those are on a ventilator, based on a state report.
Public Health Commissioner Steven Stack said it's important Kentuckians continue being vigilant in following health guidelines. Wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing, limiting gatherings and washing hands are important to curbing multiplication of the virus.
“Don't give in to mask fatigue. Wear your mask correctly. Vaccines are around the corner and could very well be the weapon we have to defeat this illness; until then, every Kentuckian needs to rise for this great challenge in our times to care for and protect one another,” Stack said.
Gov. Andy Beshear encouraged Kentuckians to shop safely for holiday gifts, purchasing online when possible to prevent crowded stores.
“Though we must do it differently, please support our small businesses this weekend and holiday season,” he said.
It's been more than a week since Beshear issued new restrictions closing bars and restaurants to indoor dining. Indoor venue capacity is restricted to 25 people per room and indoor social gatherings to no more than two households as high as eight people.
Case information by 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28:
- New cases today: 2,437
- New deaths today: 14
- Positivity rate: 8.95%
- Total deaths: 1,885
- Currently hospitalized: 1,722
- Currently in ICU: 408
- Currently on ventilator: 220
