A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Beshear reports 8,739 cases over three days, 75 deaths; positivity up but some labs were closed


In the first COVID-19 update of the new year, Gov. Andy Beshear reported three days of numbers on COVID in Kentucky.

Over the three days, he reported 8,739 cases and 75 deaths.

He said the state’s elevated positivity rate is likely due to some labs and public testing sites being closed over the holiday, which increases the percentage of tests conducted in medical settings where patients are experiencing symptoms and suspect they have the virus.

“Every day we are reminded how fragile the progress we have made in defeating this virus really is,” Gov. Beshear said. “We will wait and watch closely over the coming days and weeks to gauge the impact the holidays may have had on our recent success in slowing new case growth. With more vaccines arriving in 2021, we have a new sense of hope but right now we must all continue to do our part to stop this virus, including wearing a mask and avoiding large in-person gatherings.”

Case Information – Jan. 2

New cases: 1,470
New deaths: 22
Positivity rate: 10.79%
Total deaths: 2,698
Currently hospitalized: 1,635
Currently in ICU: 428
Currently on ventilator: 211

Top counties with the most positive cases on Jan. 2 were Jefferson, Pike, Fayette, Kenton and Hardin. View details of those reported lost to the virus on Jan. 2.

Case Information – Jan. 1

New cases: 3,124
New deaths: 14
Positivity rate: 10.32%
Total deaths: 2,676
Currently hospitalized: 1,671
Currently in ICU: 423
Currently on ventilator: 216

Top counties with the most positive cases on Jan. 1 were Jefferson, Fayette, Oldham, Christian and Boone. View details of those reported lost to the virus on Jan. 1.

Case Information – Dec. 31

New cases: 4,145
New deaths: 39
Positivity rate: 9.89%
Total deaths: 2,662
Currently hospitalized: 1,627
Currently in ICU: 432
Currently on ventilator: 224

Top counties with the most positive cases on Dec. 31 were Jefferson, Fayette, Kenton, Boone, Oldham and Daviess. View details of those reported lost to the virus on Dec. 31.

All three NKY counties — Boone, Campbell and Kenton — reported one death.

Thursday was the third highest day of new reported COVID-19 cases.


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