9 new Kentucky coronavirus cases found, including infant and wife of Louisville mayor
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced nine new confirmed cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, including an 8-month-old child in Jefferson County, bringing the state’s total to 35 cases.
The infant is in good condition at home, Beshear said.
The novel coronavirus “is very rare” in those under the age of 19, Beshear said, adding that virtually no one in that age group has required hospitalization in the United States and none have been admitted to the ICU.
“When you look at all of the numbers, this virus doesn’t appear to impact kids the same way that the flu or anything else does,” Beshear said.
The new cases include an 88-year-old female in Bourbon County and a female in Jefferson County. Beshear did not release demographic information for the second Jefferson County case, but Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer announced Wednesday afternoon that his wife, Dr. Alexandra Gerassimides, has tested positive for COVID-19.
“She’s doing fine,” Fischer said. Both Fischer and his wife attended a fundraiser for the Speed Art Museum on March 7 that was attended by at least two other people who have since tested positive for COVID-19. Both Fischer and Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray went into self-quarantine after attending the ball.
Beshear also announced one additional positive test in Fayette County, bringing the county’s total to six, as well as positive tests in Kenton, Franklin, Warren, Harrison and Clark counties. These were the first confirmed cases in Kenton, Franklin and Warren counties.
He did not provide demographic information on any of those seven patients.
Since the first confirmed coronavirus case in the state on March 6, Beshear has taken several incremental steps that have shut down most activities and businesses that require people to be in close proximity to each other in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
On Wednesday, the governor announced he was suspending all charitable gaming licenses in the state — which means no more bingo — and that he would be extending public assistance benefits, including SNAP benefits and Medicaid, for three months so that those people don’t have to come into a state office.
The decision to extend benefits is partially intended to free up phone lines for people who may be put out of work by the decision to shut down so many businesses. Eric Friedlander, secretary for the Cabinet of Health and Family Services, recommended that people who now need public assistance should first focus on securing their Medicaid benefits.
Beshear also said banks will close their lobbies to the public, but will keep their drive-thrus open and emphasize online banking.
“There is no need to make a run on them,” Beshear said. “They’re gonna be fine and you’re gonna be fine. And remember that paper money allows for a bigger spread of germs than using your credit card.”
Beshear also stressed that the food chain supplying grocery stores is safe and working correctly. There is no need to stockpile large amounts of food and household products, he said.
Even if he must eventually issue a shelter-in-place order, Beshear said, people will still be allowed to buy essential items.
Kentucky residents can call the state coronavirus hotline — 1-800-722-5725 — for advice about when to seek medical treatment. Those with symptoms of coronavirus — cough, fever and difficulty breathing — are strongly urged to call the hotline or their physician before visiting a doctor. Beshear said those who are not displaying symptoms of COVID-19 should not call the hotline.
Visit Kentucky’s coronavirus website, https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/pages/covid19.aspx, for more guidance about the disease.
This story was originally published March 18, 2020 at 5:28 PM.
