Kentucky has highest weekly total of new COVID-19 cases

With one day of data left to report, Kentucky has already had its most new cases of COVID-19 in a week.

Governor Andy Beshear made that announcement while announcing another 3,892 new cases Saturday. The positivity rate is 9.8 percent, 1,731 Kentuckians are hospitalized, 401 are in the ICU and 226 are on a ventilator.

The governor also announced another 23 deaths, including a 67-year old Hopkins County man and an 87-year old man from Logan County.

All nine Pennyrile counties remain red on the state incidence rate map,  and every county Bowling Green and west.

Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack says, “The imminent arrival of COVID-19 vaccines is a monumental scientific accomplishment offering great hope that this devastating pandemic can at last be ended. Initially, though, very limited quantities of vaccine coupled with complicated and changing distribution logistics mean not everyone can have access at the very start. It’s essential that everyone work together and know that all Kentuckians will be given access as rapidly as vaccine supplies, shipping, storage, and handling limitations allow. There is a bright light of hope ahead; let’s all support each other as we look forward to better days soon.”

Tennessee announced another 4,914 new cases and 29 more deaths. At least 2,465 Tennesseans are in a hospital and the positivity rate is at 18.73 percent.