FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky reported more than 1,000 new coronavirus cases and eight virus-related deaths Friday as the state remained on course for another weekly record number of cases.
“We continue to be in another escalation of COVID-19 cases here in Kentucky,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “This is the highest Friday in the last four weeks, and this will be our highest week ever when we finish it for number of new COVID-19 cases.”
The 1,059 new cases raised the total statewide count to at least 78,456 since the pandemic began.
“These are just far too many cases. We have to do better,” the Democratic governor said as he continued urging Kentuckians to wear masks in public.
The eight latest deaths — among people ranging in age from 48 to 90 — raised the total statewide death count to at least 1,242 people.
The state’s positivity rate — a seven-day rolling figure reflecting the average number of tests coming back positive for the virus — was 4.32%.
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.
