Gov. Andy Beshear announced Thursday that Kentucky prison wastewater testing shows significant COVID-19 outbreaks. Beshear said people will be separated based on test results and symptoms.
“No visitation is going to be allowed in the next and we hope it's a couple days, but at least until we get a firm grasp on the outbreak,” he said.
Beshear added that correctional staffing shortages are making matters worse.
The outbreak comes as Kentucky is dealing with the highest number of cases since the pandemic began. The state’s rate of positivity is 23.67%. On Thursday, Kentucky again reported a record-breaking number of cases, 9836.
Beshear also reported that hospitalizations are quickly increasing as the number of cases grows.
As a winter storm hits the state, Beshear warned people to take precautions to prevent further spread of the virus.
“If you're part of this significant increase in hospitalizations, a person that's hurt today, in a car accident, due to weather might not have a bed, or the level of attention that they need,” he said.
A large demand for COVID-19 tests is leading people to seek testing in emergency rooms. Beshear again urged the public not to show up for tests in ERs and instead look for appointments at pharmacies.
