Kentucky reports second highest daily total of new COVID-19 cases at 1,018

Kentucky saw its second highest daily total of new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, with 1,018 positive cases reported.

"What that means is that we are on pace to have even more cases than last week, where we set a record number of cases," Gov. Andy Beshear said during his briefing.

Kentucky has now seen 67,856 cases of the coronavirus. Beshear also reported eight new deaths, bringing the state's total to 1,170.

Of the new cases, 226 were in Jefferson County, and 143 were in Fayette. The rate for positive tests in the state is at 4.24%, slightly down from Monday's rate but up from last week, when it dropped below 4%.

A "large number" of Tuesday's cases were from colleges and universities, Beshear said, with 303 student cases reported over the past few days.

Beshear reiterated he believes recent high totals signify the start of a new escalation in the pandemic.

“That means we’ve got to work harder,” Beshear said. “Now this is a war, and we’ve won many battles. We can’t walk away from the battlefield. We can’t stop doing what it takes, and I really need your help.”

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Dr. Steven Stack, the state's public health commissioner, warned about colder weather and people staying indoors while the disease is still widespread.

"Every place on the planet Earth where people have gotten lazy and lax about following the things we recommend has seen a surge in disease — every place," Stack said.

There have been improvements in hospital care and treatment, "but we have not had any massive breakthroughs," Stack said. 

"So we are in a position where if we take our eye off the ball, we're going to get in trouble," he said.

That means people need to wear masks, socially distance and wash their hands often, as well as two other things: stay home when sick and get a flu shot.

"If you get your flu shot, there's a good chance we can shut down influenza this year," Stack said. "Again, if you're sloppy and careless, it's going to be impossible to know who has the flu and who has COVID."

In positive news, the Department of Public Health this week completed a stockpile of enough personal protective equipment, or PPE, for health care workers to last a 120-day surge, Lieutenant Gov. Jacqueline Coleman said at the beginning of Tuesday’s briefing.

“This is one of the successes for Kentucky in our battle against COVID-19,” Coleman said.

Before signing off, Beshear said he'd like to think "we can all admit that we are at war with this virus, and you will do your patriotic duty."

"Let's go out there, let's wear our masks, let's stay 6 feet apart, let's cut down our contacts," Beshear said. "Let's remember that right now ... we're living for each other. Let's do it right."

Reach Emma Austin at eaustin@gannett.com or on Twitter at @emmacaustin. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: subscribe.courier-journal.com.