Gov. announces record Tuesday COVID cases, releases Thanksgiving guidance

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear reported a Tuesday record of 2,120 new coronavirus cases and 14 more deaths, while also releasing his administration’s guidance for safely celebrating Thanksgiving.

The positivity rate has risen to 7.68 percent, which the governor says is a sign that the higher case numbers are not just an indication of more testing.

The latest deaths include an 86-year old man from Hopkins County, a 68-year old man from Muhlenberg County and an 87-year old man from Marshall County.

Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack says the state’s guidance for Thanksgiving is similar to the White House guidance and it includes encouragement to avoid in-person gatherings with individuals outside of your own household.

Dr. Stack says the types of activities that happen at a Thanksgiving dinner is a recipe for spread of the virus and Canada’s Thanksgiving in October contributed to outbreaks.

He’s also advising to avoid large gatherings of any type—especially those indoors—and to avoid shopping in crowded stores on Black Friday.

Tennessee reported 1,979 new cases and 62 more deaths. There are currently 1,634 Tennesseans hospitalized, an increase of 81 from Monday.