As of 4 p.m. July 14, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 20,223 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 576 of which were newly reported Tuesday.
“Today’s report shows we are certainly in a time of escalating cases. And our actions over these next 10 days to 14 days – really through the next 30 days that we have put this face covering requirement out – are going to determine if we continue to be a leader, if we continue to be one of the best states in the country, or if we go the route of Arizona, which is now requesting giant freezer trucks because their morgues are being overrun,” the Governor said. “It depends on our willingness to come together and do the right thing, and today should be just one more wake-up call that we’ve got to do it now.”
Six new deaths were reported Tuesday, raising the total to 635 Kentuckians lost to the virus.
The deaths reported Tuesday include a 44-year-old woman from Carter County; an 89-year-old woman from Casey County; a 65-year-old man from Fayette County; a 77-year-old man from Floyd County; an 82-year-old man from Ohio County; and 72-year-old woman from Shelby County.
As of Tuesday, there have been at least 494,343 coronavirus tests performed in Kentucky. The positivity rate currently stands at 3.95%. At least 5,389 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus.
For additional information, including up-to-date lists of positive cases and deaths, as well as breakdowns of coronavirus infections by county, race and ethnicity, click here.
Young Hero Encourages Kentuckians to Wear Masks
Today, David Turner Jr., a 9-year-old boy from Louisville who is battling a rare form of brain cancer, joined Gov. Beshear to encourage Kentuckians to wear masks. When the Governor and First Lady met David earlier this year, the 4th-grader sat at the Governor’s desk and declared the day he visited was “Kentucky Ice Cream Day” and said everyone should celebrate by having a scoop of their favorite flavor.
“The fact that we wear these masks probably means more time for David and his family, and as a father I can’t think of anything more important in the world,” said Gov. Beshear. “If you don’t want to wear a mask for me, that’s fine, but surely you will wear one for countless kids around the commonwealth who are counting on you.”
As the Governor reminded Kentuckians yesterday, an increasing number of young children in the commonwealth have tested positive for the coronavirus. Children like David, whose immune systems may be compromised, are especially vulnerable, and everyone on Team Kentucky can help keep them safe by wearing face coverings.
Dr. Steven Stack, the commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, emphasized the efficacy of face coverings.
“In the middle of May, in Missouri, two hair stylists with COVID-19 spent at least 15 minutes with 139 clients. During that time, there are a few key points I want to highlight,” Dr. Stack said. “All of these individuals, the two stylists and the 139 clients, wore face coverings and no clients are known to be infected after several weeks. That’s a lot of people, folks, all because they wore a cloth face covering. It helps keep people safer, it allows people to return to work, it allows us to go back to the activities we need to do.”
Safety Reporting Hotline
Gov. Beshear noted on Tuesday that the COVID-19 reporting hotline is available to help keep Kentuckians safe.
“As we require masks and encourage social distancing and good hygiene to protect fellow Kentuckians, I want to remind people they can still go to kysafer.ky.gov to report concerns about businesses who are not following the requirements,” the Governor said.
People who witness dangerous non-compliance with coronavirus mandates, including requirements for mask wearing, social distancing and sanitation, are encouraged to call the COVID-19 reporting hotline at 833-KY SAFER (833-597-2337). Labor Cabinet personnel will monitor the hotline from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT. To file a complaint online, click here.