As of 4 p.m. June 11, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 11,945 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 69 of which were newly confirmed Thursday.

“There is a backlog in the federal system that we put our results into and, because of that, a significant number of results that would have come in today are going to come tomorrow,” said Gov. Beshear. “So our number today is really low but you should not read anything into that.”

Unfortunately, Gov. Beshear reported nine new deaths Thursday, raising the total to 493 Kentuckians lost to the virus.

“These are nine families that are going to need us during this difficult time, a time when there is already anxiety because it’s harder right now to grieve,” said Gov. Beshear. “Let’s try to do even more, those small things that can help people around us and lift them up.”

The deaths reported Thursday include 74-, 80- and 85-year-old men from Boone County; a 69-year-old man from Fayette County; a 75-year-old man from Gallatin County; 68- and 93-year-old men from Jefferson County; and a 63-year-old woman and 81-year-old man from Kenton County.

At least 3,379 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus

Gov. Beshear on Wednesday announced that the state’s ongoing partnership with Kroger will bring expanded COVID-19 drive-through testing next week in several locations across the commonwealth.

As of Thursday, more than 308,786 coronavirus tests have been conducted in Kentucky. Gov. Beshear said the state’s testing capacity is high and urged everyone to get tested.

Information on how to register at more than 180 sites throughout the commonwealth can be found at kycovid19.ky.gov.

As of yesterday, churches, synagogues, mosques and other houses of worship can begin hosting congregants at 50% of their pre-pandemic capacities.

If you have any questions about the coronavirus in Kentucky, call the state’s COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-722-5725. You can also find more information, including how to protect you and your family, by visiting Kentucky’s official COVID-19 website