Beshear reports under 700 new COVID-19 cases; masks no longer required in state office buildings

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) - Governor Andy Beshear is giving an update on COVID-19 cases.

Governor Beshear reported 671 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, bringing the state total to 1,277,352 cases. As of Monday, 962 people are hospitalized for COVID-19 related reasons, 203 are in the ICU, and 112 are on ventilators.

The governor said the state’s positivity rate has now dropped to 8.56%. Of Monday’s new cases, 141 are in kids 18 or younger.

There were 34 new COVID-19 related deaths reported on Monday. That brings the state total to 13,856.

Gov. Beshear also announced that masks are no longer required in state office buildings. However, the following agencies will continue to require face coverings: Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs-run nursing homes; Department of Corrections correctional institutions; Cabinet for Health and Family Services-run psychiatric hospitals and immediate care facilities; agencies providing food, beverage and housekeeping services; and other congregant settings as determined by an agency’s appointing authority.

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