3,179 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Kentucky on Friday Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 and last updated 2020-12-18 17:20:11-05 FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) â On Friday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that 3,179 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Kentucky. After the removal of duplicates, the 3,179 new cases brings Kentucky's COVID-19 case total to 237,190. Friday's positivity rate was 8.59%. Gov. Beshear also announced 28 new coronavirus-related deaths, bringing Kentucky's coronavirus-related death total to 2,344. As of Friday, 1,712 Kentuckians are hospitalized for coronavirus-related reasons, 410 of which are in the ICU and 227 of which are on a ventilator. Gov. Beshear also reminded restaurant and bar owners to apply for assistance through the Team Kentucky Food and Beverage Relief Fund by midnight tonight if they have not already done so.