Kentucky COVID-19 update including hospital capacity data for December 27

Christmas is in the books. One more big holiday to go.

Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner for the Kentucky Health and Human Services extended a thank-you for those Kentuckians that limited their in-person holiday celebrations as a way to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. 

“Your sacrifices are appreciated and a gift of kindness to your loved ones and your neighbors as we keep this dreadful disease from spreading more rapidly. Please make sure you’re familiar with symptoms of this virus, and if you aren’t feeling well, please stay home until you are better or see a health care provider.” said Dr. Stack. 

Governor Andy Beshear said the positivity rate is going down and on Christmas Day, the rate dropped below 8%. Sunday's positivity rate was 8.06%

If you've been busy with the Christmas rush and haven't had much opportunity to read the latest updates, Thursday's report did reveal the second highest reported total for deaths among Kentuckians. Fifty-three died on Christmas Eve. 

KY COVID-19 Report Sunday, December 27
Cases: Total 257,063
Deaths: 2,555
New Cases: 1,509
New Cases under 18: 181
New Deaths: 21

Current COVID-19 Hospital Census
Hospitalized: 1,504
ICU: 411
On Ventilator: 217 

Current Overall Capacity
Inpatient Beds: 7,492 Occupied, 5,766 Available,  56.55% Occupancy 
ICU Beds: 1,121 Occupied, 682 Available, 62.2% Occupancy
Ventilators: 603 Occupied, 1,170 Available, 34% Occupancy

Region 1: Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken, Trigg

Hospital Patient Usage:
Region 1: COVID-19 Inpatient 67, COVID-19 ICU 29, COVID-19 On Vent 15, Inpatient Capacity Used for COVID-19...11%, ICU Capacity Used for COVID-19...28.4%, ventilator Capacity Used for COVID-19...15.2%, 
Inpatient Capacity in Use is 55.18%
ICU Capacity in Use is 58.80%
Ventilator Capacity in Use is 24.34%