Kentucky reports lower daily number of coronavirus cases

WATCH LIVE: Gov. Andy Beshear - Media Briefing 08.04.2020

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky posted lower numbers of new coronavirus cases Monday, but the governor braced the state for a potential increase in virus-related deaths after weeks of surging infections.

Gov. Andy Beshear reported 323 additional virus cases, down significantly from daily totals in July that often totaled in the 500s and 600s — and sometimes higher. July turned into the state's "toughest month" in terms of total cases since the pandemic began, he said.

But on a day when he reported two more virus-related deaths statewide, the governor warned that the death toll could climb in August due to the escalating cases in July.

"Unfortunately, that will have ramifications because what we find is we lose Kentuckians several weeks to about a month after they test positive," Beshear told reporters. "And so having a rough month in terms of overall cases in July will likely mean we have a rough month in terms of Kentuckians that we lose in August."

But the governor said recent trends in virus cases indicate his mask mandate is working.

New weekly virus case totals were surging at rates of about 50% prior to his order last month requiring most Kentuckians to wear masks in public, Beshear said. Since the mask mandate took effect, those weekly case increases eventually slowed to 4% and 5%, he said.

"This shows you how important wearing that facial covering is and its impact that it can have pretty quickly," the governor said.

He acknowledged there's room for improvement on compliance with the mask order. He unveiled a statewide public service campaign — MaskUpKY — aimed at encouraging use of facial coverings.

"We know that if we can get the vast majority of Kentuckians to wear one every time they go in public, when you're 6 feet away from somebody, that we can make a major difference," Beshear said. "That we can get close to our old normal. If we want to get our kids back in school, if we want to save our economy and keep it open, if we want to protect one another — lives and health — we need every Kentuckian wearing a mask or a facial covering."

Without the mask requirement, the infection rate could have continued rising to least 1,000 new cases daily, the governor said. He warned that without adherence to wearing masks, following social distancing guidelines and washing hands frequently, Kentucky could be hit by another surge.

"We are in that place still, right now, where we can become the next Florida, Arizona or Texas," Beshear said, pointing to states ravaged by coronavirus cases.

In another encouraging sign, Kentucky's positivity rate — a closely watched barometer reflecting the average number of tests coming back positive for COVID-19 — was 5.18%, down significantly from about a week ago, Beshear said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman announced that the state's school districts are being given more flexibility in the way online instruction is provided amid the pandemic.

The latest action follows several steps taken to help schools navigate the uncertainties caused by the virus. Previous measures included extending unlimited non-traditional instruction days, removing the "average daily attendance" requirement for funding and allowing districts to grant additional paid leave for COVID-19 emergencies.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness and be fatal.

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