Gov. Beshear announces 816 new COVID-19 cases, 18 more deaths

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced 816 new cases of COVID-19 in the commonwealth Wednesday and 18 deaths.

The state’s positivity rate remains below 5 percent at 4.71, but the governor says the continued high number of cases means more Kentuckians will lose their lives to the virus in the coming weeks.

Kentucky’s death toll during the pandemic is up to 966.

At least 116 of the new cases are individuals who are 18-years old or younger.

The governor again encouraged Kentuckians to wear a mask when out in public, saying the issue should not be political. He says he expects to extend the mask mandate before it expires on Thursday of next week.

Tennessee added 1,502 new cases Wednesday and 16 more deaths. Montgomery County gained 10 cases and Robertson saw 16 additional cases.