After 453 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed Saturday, Governor Andy Beshear said Kentucky is no longer in a plateau but cases are increasing and we must act now.
State Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack said Saturday’s numbers confirm that we need to continue to take this pandemic seriously, and added these numbers demand serious attention. He said in addition to remaining at least six feet apart from anyone from outside of your household, sanitizing your hands and other high-touch surfaces, this includes wearing a face-covering any time you are in public or indoors, such as in grocery stores or business offices. He went on to say wearing a face covering is one of the most important steps we can take to keep our communities safe and continue on the path to reopening the state.
The newly confirmed cases Saturday brings the statewide total to at least 19,121 coronavirus cases and comes on the heels of the governor signing an executive order mandating all Kentuckians must wear a face mask while in public places as well as outside if a distance of six feet is not possible. The mandate, which went into effect Friday afternoon, is for 30-days.
Dr. Stack shared a few additional tips for wearing face coverings most effectively, including making sure the mask fits properly and keep extra masks handy. He said if you know you are going to be outdoors in the heat or doing any kind of activity where you might work up a sweat, bring an extra face mask.
In addition to the high number of new cases reported Saturday, Governor Beshear also reported two new deaths, raising the statewide death toll to 622 related to the virus. Both deaths occurred in Jefferson County.
As of Saturday, there have nearly 476,000 coronavirus tests performed in the commonwealth and at least 5,258 Kentuckians who have recovered from the virus.
