A rare inflammatory syndrome believed to be related to COVID-19 has a 10-year old boy in Kentucky in critical condition as the overall number of new cases of the virus remains steady.
While most minors who contract the virus generally do much better than adults, Kentucky Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack says a small number of children get a syndrome where their immune system becomes overactive and they have an extensive inflammatory response.
The Kentucky 10-year old is critically ill on a ventilator and Dr. Stack says it’s a reminder that while the state has been successful in flattening the curve, the virus is still a danger.
The syndrome has been most common in the New York area, where close to 100 children have been diagnosed. Governor Andy Beshear paused for a moment of silence during his afternoon briefings for Kentuckians to think about and pray for the child.
There were 141 new cases of the virus Sunday in the commonwealth and 105 new cases Monday, bringing the overall total to 6,677. Seven more Kentuckians have died, making the total since the pandemic began 311.
The governor urged Kentuckians to take advantage of free testing sites across the commonwealth—including the one at Tie Breaker Park—and reminded that anyone who wants a test can get one.
Increased testing was part of the gradual, phased reopening of the economy and Governor Beshear says Kentuckians can make it a success by complying with the White House and CDC guidance and by self-quarantining if you come in contact with someone who has the virus.
Tennessee is up to 15,554 total cases and 251 fatalities. Montgomery County gained six cases to 180, Robertson County was up two to 220 and Stewart County remains at seven.