Governor Andy Beshear says Kentucky seems to be experiencing a rapid decline in COVID-19 cases, and all trends are moving in the direction they want to see in relation to the pandemic.
He says it’s probably still too early to be 100 percent positive that the decline is as steep as it seems—thanks to icy weather and other factors, testing may have slowed over the weekend—but a decrease is plainly evident, which is excellent news.
There were 4,816 new cases on Saturday, along with 33 deaths—Sunday saw 3,696 new cases, along with 31 deaths, and Monday added 3,835 cases and 29 deaths. There was a significant decrease of cases last week compared to the weeks before that, and the governor says they’re eager to see how much more it falls in the coming days and weeks.
The positivity rate is at 23.51 percent, continuing its free fall from the over 32 percent it was two weeks ago. Governor Beshear urged people to still remain cautious, as omicron is likely still moving through communities, but he’s hopeful this could be a sign of things returning to near normal.
Tornado relief and clean up efforts continue in western Kentucky, with Governor Beshear saying roughly $2.5 million from the Team Western Kentucky Relief Fund has made its way to those who need it.
There are currently 2,124 individuals in the hospital with COVID-19, 414 in the ICU and 207 on a ventilator—all decreases from recent numbers.