Kentucky coronavirus cases jump by 114. Total is 594. Seven new deaths reported.
Gov. Andy Beshear announced 114 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and seven new coronavirus-related deaths Tuesday, bringing the Kentucky totals to at least 594 cases and 17 deaths.
“Today we lost 6 Kentuckians which is something I hoped I would never have to announce,” Beshear said soberly. “But I know that I will be announcing more as we move into the future.”
A seventh death from Campbell County was reported later during Beshear’s p.m. news conference.
Of the seven deaths, four were from Jefferson County — an 87-year-old woman, an 81-year-old woman, a 74-year-old man and a 66-year old man. He also announced the deaths of an 88-year-old woman from Fayette County, a 74-year-old man from Bullitt County and a person in their 80s from Campbell County.
All of the people who have died from the coronavirus in Kentucky have been older than 60, which is the highest-risk demographic.
Beshear also announced new COVID-19 cases in 30 counties, including the first reported cases in Graves County, Russell County and Henry County.
On Tuesday, Fayette County announced a total of 110 cases and Jefferson County announced a total of 206 cases.
The other counties where Beshear reported cases are: Hopkins, Jessamine, Kenton, Shelby, Daviess, Edmonson, McCracken, Christian, Campbell, Larue, Graves, Clark, Madison, Christian, Montgomery, Laurel, Pulaski, Russell, Hancock, Muhlenberg, Hardin, Rockcastle, Henry, Scott, Union, Carroll, Woodford, Bourbon and Anderson.
“We’ve got to make sure that days like this motivate us,” Beshear said. “That we send our thoughts and prayers to those we lost and we mourn, but at the same time we are stronger coming out of it, more resilient and we are ready.”
How long will coronavirus restrictions last?
There has been no clear timeline provided on how long Beshear’s social distancing orders will remain in place. Beshear has said it could be months before things return to normal. On Tuesday, he said it is likely the respiratory virus will reemerge to some degree in the fall.
The governor said he will likely extend school closures, which now go through April 20, by at least two more weeks and that people should be prepared for the possibility that in-person classes will be canceled for the remainder of the school year.
With the approach of Easter on April 12, Beshear said churches could consider offering drive-in services, but only if they follow strict guidelines: only one family in a car; cars must be at least 6 feet apart; no one can get out of their vehicle; and no offering baskets or sacramental bread and wine can be passed from vehicle to vehicle.
Another rite of spring in Kentucky is the yard sale, but Beshear said no one should be holding a yard sale. “Yard sales are a way that would spread this virus really easily,” he said.
Drive-up COVID-19 testing in Franklin County
Beshear said the University of Louisville lab will start processing tests from a “proof of concept” drive-up testing site in Franklin County, which will be operational this week. He said U of L has been able to increase its testing capacity dramatically, which means more tests from around the state can be sent there.
Private labs across the country are now often taking five to seven days to return test results because of overwhelming volumes, but that has not been a problem for Kentucky’s two university labs or the state lab.
The Democratic governor also said he has signed an order that will allow police and fire departments to re-hire retired police officers, firefighters and emergency services personnel without a penalty to their pension payments. One case of the coronavirus could potentially wipe out an entire rural fire department or sheriff’s office, he said.
He also said grocery store workers can now use the child care facilities that have been set up to serve families of medical workers and first responders. All other child care centers have been shuttered to slow the spread of the virus.
Who should wear a mask?
As the number of cases increases, the sight of people wearing masks while at the grocery store or running errands has become more common. Dr. Steven Stack, Kentucky’s public health commissioner, said that’s probably not necessary for most people. He said you should only be wearing a mask if you are showing symptoms, not if you’re healthy.
“I just like to bring perspective to this: the vast majority of us are going to be OK,” Stack said.
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.
To report large gatherings or establishments not complying with the state’s orders, visit govstatus.egov.com/kysafer or call 1-833-KYSAFER.
This story was originally published March 31, 2020 at 5:40 PM.
