The governor reported 147 new coronavirus infections, bringing Kentucky’s total to 1,149. The highest one-day case increase since the disease arrived in Kentucky.

The governor said he believes the high case rate may be due to the fact some testing facilities are closed over the weekend. He said a deeper look into the data shows Kentucky’s case-rate is still hovering around 80-per-day.  It appears six cases out of Monday’s reported total were removed.

Seven new deaths were reported, bringing the death toll to 65. One previous death reported was an Indiana man who tested positive in Jefferson County.

Towards the end of the news conference, Jackson County Judge-Executive Shane Gabbard announced three new COVID-19 cases. Those are the first coronavirus patients in the county.

The governor did not update the number of people who have recovered from the virus. As of Sunday, that total was up to 306.

Around noon, the governor announced that Kentucky will adopt the CDC’s voluntary guidance on wearing cloth facemasks in public, though they maintain that Kentuckians will still need to practice social distancing.

Doctor Steven Stack, Kentucky’s public health commissioner, indicated Tuesday that the Kentucky Department of Public Health wants to conduct 2,000 tests every day, based on the availability of swabs and other equipment.

Currently, only people who are exhibiting the possible symptoms of COVID-19 are able to receive tests.

Kentucky’s testing rate could mean COVID-19 cases are being underreported compared to neighboring states.

Based on data available at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Kentucky has tested 19,955 people with 1,149 positive results. Across the border in Tennesee, 52,874 people have been tested with 4,138 positive results.

Tennesee does have a higher population than Kentucky, with more than 2.3 million more people living in the Volunteer State.

Governor Beshear continued his call for donations of personal protective equipment to healthcare providers and first responders.

If you are able to donate PPE, head to this website or call 388-GIVE-PPE.

Senator Rand Paul announced that he has fully recovered and plans to volunteer at a Kentucky hospital.

Paul became the first U.S. senator diagnosed with COVID-19 on March 22.

If you have any questions about the coronavirus in Kentucky, call the state COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-722-5725.

You can also find the latest information, including things you can do to protect you and your family, by going to the state COVID-19 website here.