FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Gov. Andy Beshear reported an upswing in coronavirus cases across Kentucky on Friday, but cautioned that it’s too soon to reach any conclusions about the sudden surge.
The governor announced 283 more virus cases, increasing the statewide total to more than 9,460 cases since the pandemic began. Despite the one-day upswing, the state averaged 158 new cases the past four days - a decline from recent weeks, he said.
“I don’t want to jump to a conclusion about today’s numbers,” Beshear said. “We’ve got to admit that they are higher. But we also have to know that any average that we’ve seen over the last four, or even more, days is on a decline. So let’s wait. Let’s see tomorrow. Let’s look at where we go into next week and we can make a logical conclusion about what is or isn’t going on.”
Tracking the trend in virus cases is seen as crucial as Kentucky opens up for more activity, as do many other states. Broad swaths of Kentucky’s economy have reopened, including retail stores, construction, manufacturing, dine-in restaurants, barbershops and hair and nail salons.
The Democratic governor has stressed the importance of wearing masks, following social distancing rules and adhering to other health guidelines meant to contain the virus.
Beshear also reported nine additional virus-related deaths in Kentucky, raising the state’s death count to at least 418.
More than 3,230 people in Kentucky have recovered from the virus, he said.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up within weeks. For some, especially older adults and those with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, even death.
Meanwhile, Beshear’s administration reported progress in conducting coronavirus testing at long-term care facilities, which have been especially susceptible to virus outbreaks.
So far, about 15,000 long-term care residents and staff have been tested, state Health and Family Services Secretary Eric Friedlander said. Another 5,000 to 10,000 are expected to be tested next week, he said. More than 100 facilities should be fully tested by the end of next week, he said.
“This is an aggressive disease in long-term care,” Friedlander said. “These are our most vulnerable citizens. These are our moms and our dads.”
A recent coronavirus outbreak at a nursing home in Louisville forced the evacuation of dozens of residents to hospitals.
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