Kentucky officials say the omicron variant now likely makes up the majority of cases in the commonwealth.
On Monday, the state’s COVID-19 positivity rate was 20 point seven two percent, the highest rate recorded since the pandemic began.
Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, said the omicron variant is more contagious than previous variants.
“This virus is like measles. Measles is the most contagious known viral infection on the planet Earth for a very long time” he said. “And the only comparison that we can make for Omicron that seems even remotely apropos, is that it’s like measles.”
Stack also urged schools to require masks as students return from the holidays.
Last week, Kentucky saw more than 6,400 cases in a single day. The state’s previous highest number of cases was recorded nearly a year ago.