As of 4 p.m. July 9, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 18,245 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 333 of which were newly reported Thursday.

“When we have higher numbers, it’s hitting all parts of our population,” said Gov. Beshear. “We have a dangerous and deadly virus out there and we are now seeing a regular increase in cases in Kentucky.”

Unfortunately, Gov. Beshear reported four new deaths Thursday, raising the total to 612 Kentuckians lost to the virus.

The deaths reported Thursday include a 93-year-old woman from Clark County; a 79-year-old man from Edmonson County; a 94-year-old man from Knox County; and a 61-year-old man from Pike County.

“An employee in the Secretary of State’s office rings a bell in this Rotunda every day, because she knows every day there’s a family that needs us,” said Gov. Beshear. “I hope you’re continuing to light up your homes green to try to show the right type of empathy and compassion.”

As of Thursday, there have been at least 461,756 coronavirus tests performed in Kentucky. At least 4,939 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus.

“On hospital beds right now, occupancy is about 60%,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is a good number, this means right now we have a significant number of beds for those who get sick.”

For additional information, including up-to-date lists of positive cases and deaths, as well as breakdowns of coronavirus infections by county, race and ethnicity, click here.