FRANKFORT - Gov. Andy Beshear has reported a daily increase in coronavirus cases in Kentucky. But he says the outbreak might be leveling off after the state was hit by a surge earlier this month.

"Our cases are a little up from yesterday, but our positivity rate is down because we've had more tests," said Beshear. "Once we get the virus under control, we have to keep it under control. We can't stop. We can't let up. Until we have that vaccine, we've got to do what it takes."

The governor says Kentucky posted 659 new virus cases Thursday, up from 619 reported the prior day. Twenty-two of the newly reported cases were children ages five and younger. Total statewide cases surpassed 29,300 since the pandemic began.

Beshear says the state’s positivity rate stands at 5.66%.

While Kentucky remains in a “danger zone,” he says the newest trends indicate the state has significantly slowed the spike in cases that occurred earlier in July.

Beshear reported seven new deaths on Thursday, including a 65-year-old man from Christian County.

At least 7,590 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus.

Mark Carter, executive policy advisor at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, also updated Kentuckians on contact tracing and tracking across the commonealth.

There are now 631 contact tracers in Kentucky and 63 more will be added August 4. Additionally, there are 190 disease investigators, 54 regional team members, and 11 social support connectors.

He said the program has already seen notable success.

"Overwhelmingly once the health department is able to reach people, they are being cooperative. They want to protect their health, they want to protect their loved ones," said Carter.

In addition to working to prevent the spread of COVID-19, contact tracers are able to offer reassurance, help monitor symptoms, and connect Kentuckians to food and medical support during quarantine and isolation.