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Beshear urges caution amid ‘exponential growth’ of virus

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) — Kentucky had its second highest number of coronavirus cases on Saturday, and Gov. Andy Beshear urged Kentuckians to follow the latest round of restrictions to stop its spread.

He announced there were 3,711 new cases on Saturday. “We continue to be in exponential growth, which will threaten the health care capacity in this state. That’s why we’re taking action and that’s why we’re fighting back.”

The governor said the new restrictions are necessary to fight the growth of the virus and voiced concern of reaching a point where there aren’t enough doctors and nurses to help those who are sick and who need their help.

“I know these steps are hard, but I want to thank the vast majority of individuals and businesses out there, many that are hurt the most by these steps we’re taking, that are stepping up, agreeing and doing it right, knowing that the future of so many lives depends on it,” he said.

Beshear noted there is light at the end of the tunnel with two apparently effective vaccines. “We’ve just got to get there. Let’s make sure that we work hard to protect one another, make sure our most vulnerable are there to get the vaccine. So, mask up, follow these steps we’re taking the next three weeks and let’s stop this growth of the coronavirus.”

Seven of the 10 counties which had the most new cases on Saturday, had over 100. They were Jefferson with 573, Fayette 268, Oldham 171, Boyd 159, Hardin 139, Kenton 118 and Boone 109. The other three top counties were McCracken 94, Warren 86, and Lee 76.

There were also 21 more deaths attributed to the virus on Saturday. They include a 43-year-old, 72-year-old and 83-year-old men from Jefferson County; a 67-year-old and a 73-year old woman from Jefferson County; a 79-year-old man from Bullitt County; an 80-year-old man from Carter County; a 79-year-old woman from Monroe County; 73-year-old, 75-year-old, and 90-year old women, and an 80-year old man from Pike County; a 76-year-old and 91-year-old from Madison County; an 86-year-old and 90-year-old man from Jessamine County; a 58-year-old man from Barren County; a 75-year-old man from Lewis County; an 87-year-old and 92-year-old man from McCracken County; and a 94-year-old woman from McLean County.

“Kentucky, and much of the nation, is in a dangerous place right now,” said State Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack. “Stay home. Stay home with only your own household as much as possible. If you must leave your home, wear a mask every time you are in public and stay as physically far away from others as possible. This is necessary for you, your loved ones and the most vulnerable Kentuckians who depend on us all.”

Taking a wider view of the pandemic, Johns Hopkins University reported on Saturday there have been 57,952,904 confirmed cases worldwide, along with 1,378,063 deaths. In the United States, there have been 12.038,182 confirmed cases along with 255,483 deaths.

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, red zone recommendations, the Governor’s new restrictions and other key guidance, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.

Gov. Beshear plans his next live press briefing, Monday afternoon at 4, but is expected to release daily case numbers on Sunday.

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