FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky hit a “painful” milestone Wednesday, passing 1,000 deaths from COVID-19.


What You Need To Know

  • Kentucky hits 1,000 deaths from COVID-19

  • Total deaths now at 1,013

  • Beshear to hold several events honoring victims

“Over the last six months, we’ve had over 1,000 families going through something that’s far, far too hard,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “And not being able to do it in that normal way of full funerals, of families being able to get together to grieve.”

Kentucky reported 16 new deaths from COVID-19 Wednesday, bringing the total to 1,013. Nine of those are probable and the rest are all lab-confirmed.

While Beshear has received criticism for many of the actions he took to limit the spread of COVID-19, he has a simple message for anyone who doubts the seriousness of the disease. 

“For those that don’t believe this is serious, there’s a 1,000 families you can go talk to,” Beshear said. “I’m sure they’d love to have their loved ones here.”

Beshear plans to hold a special wreath-laying ceremony at 10 a.m. E.T. Thursday in the Capitol rotunda. He also plans to host a special address at 5:30 p.m. E.T. Thursday to honor the victims of COVID-19.

Flags have also been ordered to fly at half staff.