Ky. adds 1,017 new COVID-19 cases, 18 deaths

Kentucky continues to show improvement in the fight against COVID-19, with Governor Andy Beshear reporting 1,017 new cases Wednesday.

The governor says the declining number of new cases, and the positivity rate, shows the incredible effort made by Kentuckians to fight back the virus, though he cautions that it’s still too early to relax just yet. He says, “Even Kentuckians who have been vaccinated should continue to mask up, social distance and keep any gatherings small. We are so close to getting through this together, but we must remain vigilant and run through the finish line to slow the spread and save as many lives as possible.”

The positivity rate was at 6.99 percent, and the number of Kentuckians hospitalized remains below a 1,000 at 934—there were 259 people in the ICU and 128 on a ventilator.  The governor also reported 18 new deaths, putting the death toll in Commonwealth at 4,336.

The Tennessee Department of Health reported 780 new cases there, along with 31 new deaths—the positivity rate in the Volunteer State is at 7.64 percent.