Illustrating the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Kentucky, on Tuesday, officials reported over 1,000 new cases for the first time since early April.
Gov. Andy Beshear reported 1,054 new cases on Tuesday, raising the state’s coronavirus total to 471,669 since the beginning of the pandemic. Tuesday marks the first time since April 7 that the commonwealth has recorded over 1,000 new cases in a single day.
Of the new cases, 217 (20.6 percent) are children under the age of 18.
The rolling seven-day positivity rate, at nearly one percent about three weeks ago, checked in at 5.71 percent on Tuesday.
Three new deaths were reported, raising Kentucky’s coronavirus-related death toll to 7,304.
Officials said 347 people are hospitalized, with 112 patients in intensive care. Forty-four people are on ventilators. By comparison, on July 13, 244 people were hospitalized, with 63 patients in intensive care and 26 on ventilators — Over the last week, the number of people in a hospital is up 42.2 percent, the number of intensive care patients is up 77.8 percent and the number of patients on ventilators is up 69.2 percent.
Of course, with the more easily transmittable Delta variant — which can cause more severe illnesses — making its way around the commonwealth, on Monday, Beshear, Dr. Steven Stack and a former FDA chief strongly recommended select residents wear masks while not at home. Those recommendations can be found by clicking here.
“Red” counties rising
The number of “red” counties has nearly doubled since Friday, as nine Kentucky counties report a “critical spread” of the virus within their respective communities. Less than three weeks ago there were no Kentucky counties in the “red.”
Included in the “red” counties is neighboring Hart County, which reports 35.3 new cases per day per 100,000 population over the last seven days. Nearby Muhlenberg (39.7) and Hopkins (33.2) counties are also in the “red.”
Other counties in the “red” include, Webster (32), Washington (31.9), Laurel (26.8), Clay (37.3), Whitley (28), and Lewis (32.3).
Currently, Grayson County is categorized by the KDPH as having a “community spread” of the virus, as the county has averaged 5.9 new cases per day per 100,000 residents.
Grayson County vaccinations
On Tuesday, the Grayson County Health Department (GCHD) updated the county’s vaccination numbers, based on statistics provided by the Kentucky Department for Public Health
According to health officials, 10,235 Grayson County residents have been vaccinated, just over 39 percent of the county’s population.
The KDPH reports that 49.8 percent of residents over 18 have been vaccinated, while 78.5 percent of people over the age of 65 have received a vaccine.
Over 2.2 million Kentuckians have been vaccinated.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com