Kentucky saw another 696 new cases of COVID-19 from Tuesday to Wednesday, along with 7 new deaths.
The overall total of cases in Kentucky since the pandemic began is now at 45,230, and the positivity rate fell once again below five percent to be the lowest it has been in about a month at 4.64 percent. Sixteen percent of the new cases reported were youth under the age of 18. Lt. Governor Jacquelyn Coleman gave an update on the Team Kentucky fund, which was developed to help those who have been heavily impacted by the pandemic—around $3.5 million has been raised so far.
She says they will continue to accept donations towards that fund and encouraged those in need to apply online. Governor Andy Beshear says the lower positivity rate is a good sign that the mask mandate and other guidelines are working to control the spread.
Those seven new deaths brings the overall death toll up to 902 in the Commonwealth. Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack says the CDC has updated their stance on testing requirements, saying that even if you were at a high risk of exposure, you wouldn’t have to get tested unless showing symptoms. Dr. Stack says he is recommending that if you believe you have been exposed, and especially if you have symptoms or work with those at high risk, you should still get tested for coronavirus.
Governor Beshear says they intend to make an announcement concerning childcare facilities at the start of next week.
Numbers in Tennessee were back up Wednesday with a reported 1,936 new COVID-19 cases and 20 new deaths. Montgomery County saw 32 new cases, Robertson County gained seven new cases and Stewart County reported zero new cases.