Beshear reported that 638 Kentuckians are hospitalized for COVID-19, but he did not note that the figure was the highest daily hospital census yet attributed to the disease in Kentucky. It was a 4% jump from the 612 reported Monday.
The health department's drive-thru test site continues 9 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday at Tie Breaker Park. There's no charge to be tested, and results are typically reported in two to three days.
Beshear has also cited a decline in the percentage of Kentuckians testing positive for the virus. He did not report on testing or hospitalizations Sunday.
The report recommends that public officials "Ensure that all business retailers and personal services require masks," something that is not being done in much of the state, if anecdotal reports of limited mask wearing and enforcement in many businesses are indicative.
"Facial coverings work. They are our best chance of saving lives and protecting the health of our people, ensuring our economy can stay open, and getting our kids back in school." — Gov. Andy Beshear
The 5.43% test positivity rate was slightly under the daily average for the week so far, 5.51%, and notably under the 5.81% reported Wednesday. Last week, the rate rose above 5% for the first time since testing became generally available.
Direct contacts are placed under quarantine and have to monitor their symptoms for 14 days — regardless if they receive a negative test in the meantime.
