KENTUCKY (AP) — Kentucky reported 3,173 new COVID-19 cases and 25 more virus-related deaths Friday, the highest recorded since the pandemic began.

The new highs are part of a grim, sustained uptick in the severity of the pandemic, warned Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, who urged Kentuckians to wear masks and follow public health recommendations.

“This is the toughest spot we’ve been in so far,” Beshear said. “Too many of us are hurting and too many of us are dying.”

More than three-fourths of Kentucky’s counties are listed among the hardest-hit areas in the COVID-19 outbreak. In Kentucky, counties that are classified in the “red zone” have a high prevalence of cases and residents are advised to avoid hosting or attending gatherings of any size.

Employers are also encouraged to allow employees to work from home when possible, and noncritical government offices should operate virtually. People are urged to avoid nonessential activities outside their home.

More than 1,350 Kentuckians are hospitalized with virus, and the state’s test positivity rate is above 8.68%, a roughly two-point increase from last week.

The positivity rate is an indicator of the extent of the spread of the virus, according to the World Health Organization. If the rate is less than 5% for two weeks and testing is widespread, the virus is considered under control.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks. But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause severe symptoms and be fatal. The vast majority of people recover.