Kentucky continues to hold its progress against COVID-19

(Editor’s note: The Whitley County Health Department was closed Monday due to inclement weather, and as of 5 p.m. Laurel County had not posted its daily COVID-19 update.)

Gov. Andy Beshear said Kentucky continues to hold its progress against COVID-19 on Wednesday, but said it is too early to relax precautions.

“We have made incredible strides against this evil virus, but we can’t let up yet,” said Beshear. “Even Kentuckians who have been vaccinated should continue to mask up, social distance and keep any gatherings small. Team Kentucky, we are so close to getting through this together, but we must remain vigilant and run through the finish line to slow the spread and save as many lives as possible.”

Beshear announced 1,017 additional COVID–19 cases in Kentucky on Wednesday, bringing the state’s total to 391,772.

Beshear reported 18 additional deaths, bringing the death toll to 4,336.

Beshear said 934 Kentuckians are currently hospitalized, of which 259 are in intensive care.

The state has a positivity rate of 6.99 percent.

As of Wednesday, 45 of Kentucky’s 120 counties have a COVID–19 incidence rate greater than 25, which places them in the red zone.

Sixty-one counties are orange zones.

Fourteen counties are yellow zones.

Elliott County has the lowest incidence rate at 1.9 which means that it is in the yellow zone.

Metcalfe County has the highest incidence rate at 61.

With the new cases, Whitley County’s COVID–19 incidence rate stands at 30.7.

With the new cases, Laurel County COVID–19 incidence rate stands at 21.1.

Knox County

The Knox County Kentucky Health Department announced 21 additional cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the county’s total to 2,992.

Five of the new cases involved children, officials stated.

There are currently 56 active cases in Knox County.

With the additional cases, Knox County’s COVID–19 incidence rate stands at 25.7.

Bell County

The Bell County Health Department announced 10 additional COVID–19 cases, bringing the county’s total to 2,652.

There are currently 89 active cases, of which 16 are hospitalized.

With the additional cases, Bell County’s COVID–19 incidence rate stands at 42.8.