Kentucky is closing in on 20,000 total cases of the coronavirus, according to figures released by Gov. Andy Beshear on Sunday.

Beshear said there were at least 19,389 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 277 of which were newly reported Sunday. That’s down substantially from the 453 case announced on Saturday.

“Folks, this is serious,” he stated. “So what we need everybody to do is wear that mask. It’s a requirement, just like wearing your seatbelt. At every store, it’s no shirt, no shoes, no mask, no service. This is just where we are in our battle as Americans and as Kentuckians against COVID-19.”

Comparing cases reported from June 29 to July 5 with cases reported from July 6 to July 12, there has been a 48.7% increase in positive cases.

“Given the elevated rate of positive COVID-19 cases that continues to increase, the need to curb spread of infection and keep others safe must be taken seriously,” said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack. “It is important for everyone to realize we all have a role in containing this disease, so hospital capacity remains at a manageable level. Kentuckians must stay committed to this very important effort.”

In addition, there were also three new deaths Sunday, bringing the total to 625 Kentuckians who lost their lives due to the virus.

The new deaths include two men, ages 71 and 87, from Fayette County and a 100-year-old woman from Shelby County.

“It is our lives that are on the line and those of our loves ones,” the Governor said. “It’s $10 billion of our economy and whether or not businesses can stay open. It’s whether or not we can get our kids back to school. So, make sure you wear that mask. We’re in a dangerous time, but it’s one that we can come through together. It’s go time. We need the very best out of everyone.”

While the Governor has recently been holding his weekly press briefings on the coronavirus on Tuesdays, he indicated that it could take place Monday, depending on the number of cases over the weekend.

Saturday saw the second highest single day total at 453, and while Sunday the figure dropped to 277, Beshear has said in the past that Sunday and Monday numbers are often artificially low, because some of the labs that process COVID-19 test kits are closed on the weekend.

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.

You can also read about other key updates, actions and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration on their response to the coronavirus, at kycovid19.ky.gov