(LEX 18) — During his weekly COVID-19 briefing, Governor Andy Beshear said new cases and the test positivity rate in Kentucky are trending downward.
"I think what we have seen or we hope we are seeing is cresting," Beshear said. "And hopefully, the beginning of the downward slope in omicron cases."
Beshear added that it will still take two or three weeks to determine if Kentucky is truly past its peak.
“Hospitalizations are a little more concerning,” Beshear says, noting that they’re reaching record high. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/7Q18yuIGYm
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) January 31, 2022
"Last week was still the second-highest amount of cases that we've ever had, and it was more than double the peak of delta," Beshear said.
While cases may be trending downward, Beshear said hospitalizations are still "concerning."
"We believe our hospitalizations will peak," Beshear said, noting that hospitalizations are approaching a record high that was set during the delta surge. "The question is how far are the hospitalization numbers behind cases and positivity [rate]."
The governor attributed the positive news, in part, to more Kentuckians choosing to get vaccinated.
Over the weekend, he said, 5,899 people received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. About 5,500 new Kentuckians became fully vaccinated, he said. The governor added that 12,899 people received their booster shots.
"While the vaccine provides incredible protection," he said. "The booster shot provides even more [protection]. In fact, deaths of those who got a booster is almost zero."
Monday, Kentucky reported 4,950 new cases of COVID-19, 14 new deaths, and a positivity rate of 28.49%.
Currently, 2,413 people are hospitalized, 454 ICU admittances and 232 people are on ventilators.
During the briefing, the Governor announced Colonel Jeremy Slinker will replace Michael Dossett as director of KY Emergency Management, effective March 1.
Colonel Jeremy Slinker will be replacing Dossett. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/oBE5I6BksG
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) January 31, 2022
For the full daily COVID-19 report click here.
Sunday, Jan. 30
New cases: 5,821
Deaths: 25
Saturday, Jan. 29
New cases: 9,144
Deaths: 31
