Governor Announces Highest Weekly COVID-19 Case Total

DEM Blogger

November 8, 2020

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 8, 2020) – Gov. Andy Beshear on Sunday implored Kentuckians, especially those in red zone counties, to follow the recommendations to reduce the spread of COVID-19, with a continued escalation in cases that includes Kentucky’s highest test positivity rate in more than half a year and the highest number of cases in a week by almost 500 cases.

“This virus is spreading in communities in every corner of the commonwealth, and everyone, from our businesses and schools to individuals, must do their part to stop the spread and save lives,” Gov. Beshear said. “Without each of us doing our part, the rampant spread will continue to take more Kentuckians. Let’s come together as Team Kentucky to defeat this virus.”

Gov. Beshear reminded community leaders, schools, businesses and residents in the state’s hardest hit areas to follow the Red Zone Reduction Recommendations. Thursday’s 80 red zone counties should follow the recommendations Monday, Nov. 9, through Sunday, Nov. 15.

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Nov. 8, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

• New cases today: 1,177
• New deaths today: 4
• Positivity rate: 7.24%
• Total deaths: 1,565
• Currently hospitalized: 1,102
• Currently in ICU: 279
• Currently on ventilator: 148

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Fayette, Warren, Kenton and Boone.

Those reported lost to the virus today include two 92-year-old men and a 77-year-old man from Hardin County; and a 76-year-old man from Marion County.

“With colder outdoor temperatures just around the corner, I encourage you to get outside and enjoy the great weather while it lasts,” said Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health. “Remember that the very basics of COVID are the more we have contact with each other, the more transmission we’re going to see. So please avoid social gatherings, maintain a social distance of at least six feet, wear a mask and wash your hands thoroughly. Now is not the time to let your guard down. We must maintain our vigilance.”

Reporting is limited on Sundays. Additional information, including the number of Kentuckians who’ve recovered from COVID-19, will be reported Monday.

More Information
To view the full daily report, incidence rate map, testing locations, long term-care and other congregate facilities update, school reports, the White House Coronavirus Task Force reports for Kentucky and other key guidance visit, kycovid19.ky.gov.

Kentuckians can also access translated COVID-19 information and summaries of the Governor’s news conferences at teamkentuckytranslations.com.