FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear announced new health guidelines after a record week of new coronavirus cases in Kentucky.

What You Need To Know

  • Governor issues new guidelines after consecutive record breaking weeks of COVID-19 cases

  • 55 of Kentucky's 120 counties fall into the White House "red zone"

  • The guidance includes work from home when possible, reducing shopping and indoor dining, and cancel or postpone nearly every event.

 

“The scale and speed of the growth of this third escalation is faster either of the previous two,” Beshear said.

Monday’s report of 953 new coronavirus cases was the most ever for a Monday. It follows a week where Kentucky reported 9,335 new coronavirus cases, surpassing the previous record of 7,675 new cases the week of Oct. 5-11.

The worst weeks in terms of new coronavirus cases have all been this month.

The number of people in the ICU with COVID-19 Monday was 253, continuing an upward trend of COVID-19 hospitalizations the past four weeks. Just two days ago, the number of people in the ICU was 208.

Beshear announced guidance specifically for counties deemed to be in a “red” zone according to White House metrics. 55 counties fall into the red zone category.

“The color red is used for a reason: It’s an alarm,” Beshear said. “Take it as the color of fire because that’s how it’s spreading. When you reach that point, your area is in danger.”

The guidance includes work from home when possible, reducing shopping and indoor dining, and cancel or postpone nearly every event.

Beshear said the advice should not be considered a mandate for one simple reason.

“Mandates only work if people follow them,” Beshear said.

The governor also said the new guidance gives local officials more ownership of what happens with the coronavirus in their communities.

 

Kentucky reported 9,335 new coronavirus cases between Oct. 19-25, surpassing the previous record of 7,675 new cases the week of Oct. 5-11. The worst weeks in terms of new coronavirus cases have all been this month.

The number of people in the ICU with COVID-19 Monday was 253, continuing an upward trend of COVID-19 hospitalizations the past four weeks. Just two days ago, the number of people in the ICU was 208.

The seven-day positivity rate Monday was 5.84% climbing closer to a benchmark listed in Kentucky’s back-to-school guidance: If the statewide positivity rate climbs above 6%, Beshear said the state will look closely at changing its guidance.

He noted schools have been doing a great job with compliance so far, though.

“You see where things are in the commonwealth. The schools get it. The kids get it. The administrators get how it can spread in these areas and they have stepped up their efforts,” Beshear said.

Beshear said any changes will also be dependent on how widespread new cases are in a region or across the commonwealth.

In light of the recent surge in cases and new guidance put out Monday, Beshear warned against any large Thanksgiving celebrations.

“You should not be having elder relatives coming over at a time of COVID. You should not have people coming in from out of state,” Beshear said. “And we might say, ‘But it’s Thanksgiving!’ The pandemic doesn’t care.”

But Halloween guidance likely won’t change. Beshear said people just need to follow the guidance that has already been released.

Beshear said the state is also preparing hospitals for a possible surge in cases. The state’s field hospital at the Kentucky State Fairgrounds had been dismantled, but he says it can be set up in about a week if needed.

63.9% of hospital beds are full and nearly 70% of ICU beds are taken, according to Beshear.