As Kentucky’s COVID-19 cases total and testing positivity rate steadily increases, Governor Andy Beshear said it’s a warning that a fourth wave is possible.
The state reported 834 new cases of the virus Thursday, which are 189 more than last week. The testing positivity rate is up six-tenths of a percent higher than last Thursday.
The number of people hospitalized with the virus has increased by 39 compared to last Thursday, while the number in the ICU and on a ventilator remained virtually the same.
Nearly 35-percent of the state’s population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine with 499,000 doses available statewide. Beshear said over 1,000 doses are available through the regional vaccination center at the Bruce Convention Center managed by the Christian County Health Department. The governor said Christian County had one of the lowest vaccination rates in the state.
click to download audioAmanda Sweeney-Brunt with the health department said over 22,000 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine have been given at the convention center and their offsite clinics.
The state announced 14 deaths Thursday with five occurring this month, 10 in January and February, and two last year.
Early last fall, nearly 65-percent of the state’s deaths linked to COVID-19 came from long-term care facilities. Beshear said Thursday that number has shrunk to 37-percent.
