FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Commonwealth set another record for new coronavirus cases in a single day as the omicron variant continues to spread like wildfire.
What You Need To Know
- Kentucky set another record for new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday
- Almost 10,000 cases were recorded, a single-day record
- The positivity rate, now at 22.89%, is also a record high
Kentucky reported 9,807 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, a single-day record for the state since the beginning of the pandemic, Gov. Andy Beshear said.
State health numbers showed roughly 21% of Wednesday’s cases were in those aged 18 and under.
Wednesday’s test positivity rate, 22.89%, is also the highest ever recorded.
Responding to the elevated case numbers, Beshear urged Kentuckians to be careful and wear masks in order to slow the transmission of the virus, fueled almost entirely by the omicron variant.
For the second day I am reporting the highest COVID report since the pandemic began with 9,807 newly reported cases and a positivity rate of 22.89%. Omicron is surging. Get your vaccine and booster – do not wait – and wear a mask to protect yourself and others. pic.twitter.com/1zAxXpZ3yw
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) January 5, 2022
“Omicron is surging, more cases than we ever thought possible in any given day,“ Beshear said in a video posted to social media. ”If you’re eligible for your booster and you haven’t gotten it yet, get it tonight or get it tomorrow.”
There were 29 virus-related deaths reported Wednesday.
Hospitalizations are also on the rise, with 1,704 Kentuckians hospitalized as of Wednesday, up from 1,434 one week ago.