Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced 674 new cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth during Tuesday’s update, the second highest increase so far.
Those 674 cases—which includes 22 children under the age of five—brings the total 24,060 cases. Approximately 549,208 tests have been administered in the state, and although hospitalizations are increasing, the Governor says at the moment hospital capacity remains good. The positivity rate is around 4.37 percent and the mortality rate is sitting at three percent. Three more Kentuckians have died, including a 63-year old man in Calloway County, putting that total at 674.
Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack says while a majority of people will recover from coronavirus, there’s still a lot left unknown about it—and some patients may have side effects that linger for an extended period of time.
Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman says the COVID-19 task force continues to gather information about the way the virus is changing and growing with how will affect education. She says they removed the limits on Non-Traditional Instruction days and daily average attendance requirements for funding. The state will also provide unlimited COVID related emergency days for faculty and staff.
The Governor says cases continue to escalate, not just here but across the nation, and if people stick to those health guidelines—such as frequent hand washing, social distancing and wearing a mask—he’s hopeful those numbers can be brought back under control.
The Tennessee Department of Health reported another 2,190 additional cases of COVID-19, up to 81,944 and 24 more deaths, up to 871. Montgomery County is at 1,196, Robertson County is up to 1,160 and Stewart County is at 47 cases.