FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky reported a near-record number of new coronavirus cases Friday as the surging outbreak continued sending more people to hospitals, Gov. Andy Beshear said.
“This is a dangerous time. We’re moving the wrong way,” the Democratic governor said as he urged Kentuckians to wear masks in public to protect themselves and those around them.
Beshear reported 1,941 new COVID-19 cases - the second-highest statewide daily total since the pandemic began - and 15 more virus-related deaths.
The state’s positivity rate reached 6.19% - the highest level since May 6, he said.
The recent surge has led to rising hospitalizations. On Friday, there were 974 patients hospitalized in Kentucky due to the virus, the governor said, noting the number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care rose to 241.
“Remember, the more cases, the more people in the hospital, the more people in the ICU and the more people who die,” Beshear said.
Total statewide COVID-19 cases surpassed 105,000, and the virus-related death toll reached at least 1,476. The latest deaths announced included people ranging in ages from 39 to 91.
More than half of Kentucky’s counties are listed in the most serious category for COVID-19 incidence rates. Schools in red-zone counties are urged to hold only virtual classes because of high virus transmission rates in their communities.
Beshear has recommended those counties take stricter steps to contain the virus’s spread.
People in those counties are urged to avoid hosting or attending gatherings of any size. Employers should allow employees to work from home when possible, and noncritical government offices should operate virtually. In-person shopping should be reduced, with people opting to order online for pickup. And people are urged to avoid nonessential activities outside their home.
“As a community, we’ve got to be following those red-zone reductions, because if we don’t it costs lives of our neighbors around us,” the governor said Friday. “It’s time for a coordinated community effort with everybody on board. … Now is the time for leadership, not for excuses.”
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks. But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause severe symptoms and be fatal. The vast majority of people recover.
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