Kentucky recorded the highest number of new coronavirus cases for a Monday as the commonwealth’s third escalation continues.
Governor Andy Beshear announced 647 new cases and nine new deaths—including a 73-year old Marshall County resident. There are 764 Kentuckians hospitalized, 190 in the ICU and 89 on a ventilator.
Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack says all hospitals in Kentucky need to be prepared to make room to treat an increase in COVID patients.
He gave an update on the state’s vaccination distribution plan for when one becomes available, saying first responders and healthcare workers will be among the first to be vaccinated.
The state’s positivity rate is also on the rise, coming in at 4.97 percent. Governor Beshear says he doesn’t anticipate any new restrictions at this time, but they could become necessary if Kentucky continues heading the wrong direction.
Governor Besehar says the moratorium on utility disconnection expires November 6, but a new order requires utilities to provide customers with a six-month payment plan. He says there’s a new $15 million utilities relief fund that’s coming soon, with additional details to be announced.
The governor also warned of scammers who will exploit the upcoming holiday season in attempt to take money from Kentuckians by falsely claiming to be a charitable cause while soliciting donations—often pressuring the elderly.
Tennessee reported 3,317 new cases and 13 more deaths. There were 73 new cases in Montgomery County, 23 in Robertson and three more cases in Stewart County.