"Folks, this is serious. So what we need everybody to do is wear that mask. It's a requirement, just like wearing your seatbelt. At every store, it's no shirt, no shoes, no mask, no service," said Governor Beshear. "This is just where we are in our battle as Americans and as Kentuckians against COVID-19."
As of 4 p.m. July 12th, Beshear said there were at least 19,389 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 277 of which were newly reported Sunday. Comparing cases reported from June 29th to July 5th with cases reported from July 6th to July 12th, there is a 48.7% increase in positive cases.
"Given the elevated rate of positive COVID-19 cases that continues to increase, the need to curb spread of infection and keep others safe must be taken seriously," said Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health. "It is important for everyone to realize we all have a role in containing this disease so hospital capacity remains at a manageable level. Kentuckians must stay committed to this very important effort."
Unfortunately, the governor reported three new deaths Sunday, raising the total to 625 Kentuckians lost to the virus.
The deaths reported Sunday include two men, ages 71 and 87, from Fayette County and a 100-year-old woman from Shelby County.
"It is our lives that are on the line and those of our loves ones. It's $10 billion of our economy and whether or not businesses can stay open. It's whether or not we can get our kids back to school," said Beshear. "So make sure you wear that mask. We're in a dangerous time, but it's one that we can come through together. It's go time. We need the very best out of everyone."
SATURDAY UPDATE:
Governor Andy Beshear on Saturday updated Kentuckians on the state's continued efforts to fight the novel coronavirus.
"We have another day of really high numbers of COVID-19 cases," said the governor. "This is another day where it shows that we are no longer in a plateau but cases are increasing. We must act now."
Beshear said there were at least 19,121 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 453 of which were newly reported Saturday.
"Today's numbers confirm that we will need to continue to take this pandemic seriously," said Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health. "These numbers demand serious attention. In addition to remaining at least six feet away 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. 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 Kentucky."
Dr. Stack added a few additional tips for wearing face coverings most effectively.
"Make sure your mask fits properly to protect individuals and others from getting sick. And, keep extra masks handy," Dr. Stack said. "If you know you're 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."
The governor reported two new deaths Saturday, raising the total to 622 Kentuckians lost to the virus.
The deaths reported Saturday include a 69-year-old woman and an 86-year-old man from Jefferson County.
As of Saturday, there have been at least 475,983 coronavirus tests performed in Kentucky. At least 5,258 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus.
