During his 4 p.m. update on Thursday, Dec. 10, Gov. Beshear reported 4,324 new cases of COVID-19. This bring’s Kentucky’s total cases to 213,450, with 175,271 of those cases being lab confirmed and 38,179 are probable.

Twenty-eight new deaths were reported on Thursday. Those reported lost to the virus include two men, ages 61 and 72, from Adair County; a 63-year-old woman from Barren County; a 61-year-old woman from Boyd County; a 71-year-old man from Casey County; a 94-year-old woman from Christian County; an 83-year-old woman from Clinton County; a 92-year-old woman from Cumberland County; a 95-year-old woman from Fayette County; a 78-year-old man from Fleming County; a 93-year-old man from Henderson County; two women, ages 70 and 96, from Hopkins County; a 91-year-old woman and four men, ages 69, 70, 72 and 88, from Jefferson County; a 75-year-old man from Martin County; a 96-year-old man from McCracken County; a 92-year-old woman from Montgomery County; a 97-year-old woman and a 99-year-old man from Oldham County; a 59-year-old man from Owsley County; two men, ages 81 and 88, from Russell County; an 85-year-old woman from Taylor County; and a 74-year-old man from Wayne County.

This makes a total of 2,146 Kentuckians lost to the virus; though 107 of those are probable and only 2,039 are lab confirmed.

A total of 3,064,833 COVID-19 test have been administered in Kentucky. 2,840,222 were PCR Test, 97,576 were serology test, and 127,035 were antigen test. The positivity rate currently stands at 9.13%.

Currently 1,756 Kentuckians are hospitalized due COVID-19 related symptoms. With 442 in the ICU and 231 on a ventilator.

Top counties with the most positive cases on Thursday were: Jefferson, Fayette, Pulaski, Kenton, Boyd, Boone, Warren and McCracken. Each of these counties reported 100 or more new cases; Jefferson County alone reported 659.

On a positve note, at least 30,605 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus.

In regards to COVID-19, public health restrictions will change Monday, Dec. 14, but Gov. Beshear said the state’s virus fight depends on all Kentuckians continuing to do the right things, in particular, wearing masks, social distancing and keeping gatherings small.

On Dec. 14, Kentucky’s public health restrictions and recommendations will include:

• All public and private middle and high schools will continue remote instruction until Jan. 4, 2021. Elementary schools can return to in-person learning once their county is out of the red zone.
• Restaurants and bars can reopen at 50% capacity. Masks are required except when actively drinking or eating. Service must stop at 11 p.m.; establishments must close no later than 12 a.m.
• Indoor social gatherings are recommended to have no more than eight people from a maximum of two households. There is no recommended limit on the number of people from the same household. There is no limit on outdoor social gatherings.
• Gyms, fitness centers, pools and other indoor recreation facilities can operate at 50% capacity. Masks must be worn while exercising.
• Venues, event spaces and theaters can reopen at 50% capacity.
• Professional services can operate with up to 50% of employees working in-person; however, all employees who are able to work from home must do so.