Gov. Andy Beshear reported more than 8,700 new coronavirus cases and 75 more deaths in Kentucky’s first COVID-19 update of the season.
The totals include positive tests recorded since Dec. 31 and bring the state’s positivity rate up to 10.79%.
In a news release on Saturday, Beshear attributed the improved positivity rate is due to some testing locations being closed over the New Year’s holiday, increasing likelihood that tests were conducted in medical settings where individuals were already experiencing coronavirus symptoms.
Beshear asserted everyone needs to wear a mask and avoid large in-person gatherings to assist stop the virus.
“Every day we're reminded how fragile the progress we have produced in defeating this virus is really,” Gov. Beshear said.
“We will wait watching closely over the future and weeks to gauge the outcome the holidays may have had on our recent success in slowing new case growth.”
Here is the situation information in the last 72 hours included in Beshear’s release:
Jan. 2
New cases: 1,470
New deaths: 22
Positivity rate: 10.79%
Total deaths: 2,698
Currently hospitalized: 1,635
Currently in ICU: 428
Currently on ventilator: 211
Jan. 1
New cases: 3,124
New deaths: 14
Dec. 31
New cases: 4,145
New deaths: 39
