State has almost 6,800 cases in three days, 11 deaths in people under 55

August 16, 2021

Steve Rogers,

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – Monday, the state announced 2,100 newly reported cases of #COVID19 and a positivity rate that has increased to 12.4%.

In the last three days, including Monday, the state has recorded 6,778 new cases and 25 deaths, 11 of which were people age 55 or younger. The numbers included a 35-year-old in Fayette County, 44 and 45 year olds in Jefferson County, a 43-year-old in Montgomery County, a 34-year-old in Mason County and a 45-year-old in Fleming County.

Of the 2,100 new cases Monday alone, 548 are in people 18 or under.

It prompted another emotional plea from Gov. Andy Beshear, who called the current trends “alarming” and “critical” and warned by the end of the week, the state likely will have more hospitalizations than at any time during the pandemic.

The report further highlights how serious this delta variant is.

“Please get vaccinated and wear a mask indoors,” Beshear stated simply. KyCovid19.Ky.gov.

The new cases in the last three days pushed the state’s total to 518,987. The deaths drove the total lost to COVID-related causes to 7,451.

In less than a week, the state’s positivity rate has risen from than a percentage point to 12.4% from 11.83% Friday, 11.57% Thursday, 11.22% Wednesday and 11.05% Tuesday.

The hospitalizations and related numbers also continue a rapid climb, with 1,528 people in the hospital Monday, up from 1,424 reported Friday, up from 1,371 people Thursday, 1,327 Wednesday, 1,251 Tuesday, 1,139 last Monday. Just 17 days ago the number was at 625.

In addition, 429 people are in ICU, up from 391 people Friday, 357 Thursday, 363 Wednesday, 339 Tuesday, and 331 last Monday. Meanwhile, 224 people are on a ventilator, up from 185 Friday, 169 Thursday and Wednesday, 168 Tuesday, and 158 last Monday.

Overall statewide, the hospital occupancy rate is at 66.3%, ICU occupancy is at 65/6% and ventilators are only at 32.7%.