21 new Kentucky coronavirus cases found Monday. 4th death confirmed. Total is 124.
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Kentucky increased by 21 Monday, bringing the state’s total to 124, Gov. Andy Beshear announced in his daily news conference.
He said an 82-year-old woman from Lexington died from the respiratory disease, raising the Kentucky death toll from COVID-19 to four. She had underlying health conditions, according to Lexington health officials.
“Let’s remember, we are taking all of these steps to protect real people who are counting on us,” Beshear said.
The latest cases of COVID-19 come from across the state, Beshear said. There was one new case in Lexington, bringing the Fayette County total to 16. There were 6 new cases in Jefferson County, at least three new cases in Daviess County and two in Harrison County. Other counties with one new case included Allen, Breathitt, Scott, Simpson and Warren. Beshear did not know the location of three additional cases.
At least 1,866 people have been tested for COVID-19 in Kentucky, Beshear said, but those numbers do not include private labs. Beshear said he believes the total number of tests to be above 2,000.
Citing a warning from the surgeon general, Beshear warned that the number of cases is likely to escalate quickly in coming days.
“This is game time,” he said, calling the coronavirus pandemic “the test of our times.”
He said Kentuckians should assume there are infected patients in each of Kentucky’s 120 counties.
When asked if health officials expect a shortage of medical beds, Beshear said it “depends on how well we do” at limiting transmission of the virus. If needed, “we have plans in place to convert hotels into hospitals,” he said.
Dr. Steven Stack, the state commissioner of public health, said people should be in the frame of mind that whatever they do could end up infecting people. He wants people to ask themselves if what they’re about to do is worth someone else possible ending up on a ventilator.
“If it’s just going out and hanging out with people... that may not be worth it,” he said.
Beshear unveiled a new a tipline Kentuckians can use to report people and businesses that are not following social distancing guidelines issued by federal and state officials. The number is 1-833-KYSAFER.
The Democratic governor also announced a “Team Kentucky” fund, which will help provide financial assistance to people who have been economically affected by the virus. Donations are tax deductible and can be made at https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/PPC/KYCOVID-19Donate.
Beshear again said there is a “major critical shortage” of personal protective equipment for medical workers in Kentucky and nationwide. He said the shortage of protective equipment is the major impediment to getting more widespread COVID-19 testing in Kentucky.
The state currently has to bid against other states and the federal government for supplies, but Beshear said he pledged to do “everything I can to buy as much of it for our people as possible.”
To help lift the spirits of those who are isolated from friends and family, Beshear urged all churches to ring their bells at 10 a.m. each morning.
Kentucky residents can call the state coronavirus hotline — 1-800-722-5725 — for advice about when to seek medical treatment. People with symptoms of coronavirus — cough, fever and difficulty breathing — should call their health care provider directly, Beshear said.
Visit Kentucky’s coronavirus website, kycovid19.ky.gov, for more guidance about the disease.
This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 5:33 PM.
