Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced a record number of new COVID-19 Friday, reporting for both Thanksgiving Day and Friday.
According to a news release, there were 3,870 new cases reported for Thursday and 1,747 new ones on Friday—there were 32 deaths reported Thursday and four confirmed for Friday. That brings the death toll up to 1,714 since the pandemic began.
Governor Beshear asked for families to avoid busy shopping areas to prevent a further escalation of COVID-19 cases. He reminded Kentuckians that many retailers are extending Black Friday deals to limit crowds. He calls the number of cases truly alarming, saying, “Wash your hands, stay six feet apart from other shoppers and wear a mask at all times. Now is the time we need everyone to buckle down, stay strong and stop this surge in cases.”
The positivity rate is now at 8.85 percent. The Tennessee Department of Health reported 4,340 new cases there, along with seven new deaths.