State tops 2,300 new COVID cases, positivity near new high

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – The state’s new coronavirus cases topped 2,300 cases Friday and the positivity rate reached a near-record high as the virus continues to surge across the state.

In his daily report Friday, Gov. Andy Beshear reported a 6.77 percent positivity rate, the highest since June 1.

The 2,302 new cases was the third-highest day.

“These numbers are truly frightening. I know we’ve been in this fight for so long that it’s easy to get numb to the scary headlines and high case numbers,” Beshear said. “That’s normal. It’s human nature.

“But you have to understand this is the most dangerous COVID-19 has ever been in the Commonwealth and it is leading to more of our fellow Kentuckians becoming sick, being hospitalized and dying. We can only get back to normal if we address it head on and that is why I am urging all of you, especially those in red counties, to follow recommendations for reducing the spread in your community.”

Beshear reminded community leaders, schools, businesses and residents in the states hardest hit areas to follow the Red Zone Reduction Recommendations. Thursday’s 80 red zone counties should follow the recommendations Monday, Nov. 9, through Sunday, Nov. 15.

In addition to the high positivity rate, 1,153 people are in the hospital, 299 are in ICU and 158 are on a ventilator, all what he called “scarily high.”

He also reported 10 more deaths, bringing the state’s total lost to coronavirus-related causes to 1,544.

The new red zone counties for this upcoming week can be found here.

Those reported lost include two women, ages 89 and 99, from Hardin County; two men, ages 88 and 104, from Jessamine County; two men, ages 72 and 80, from Laurel County; a 76-year-old man from Lyon County; an 82-year-old man from McLean County; a 92-year-old woman from Muhlenberg County; and a 38-year-old woman from Todd County.

The Governor encouraged Kentuckians to take advantage of free COVID-19 testing the Kentucky Department for Public Health is offering in collaboration with local and federal partners. To see the new free COVID-19 testing partnership locations and hours, click here. To see all COVID-19 testing locations in the commonwealth, click here.