Kentucky coronavirus cases top 10,000. 214 new cases and eight deaths Monday.
Gov. Andy Beshear announced 214 new cases of the novel coronavirus in Kentucky on Monday, bringing the statewide total to at least 10,046 as Kentucky begins its second full week of business reopenings, and as more gatherings of people protesting police violence against black people are planned across the state.
Eight more people have died from coronavirus-related causes, bringing the death toll to at least 439. The ages of those who died ranged from 33 to 98.
A little over 450 people are currently hospitalized with the virus, 90 of whom are in intensive care units, and 3,232 have recovered. At least 236,416 tests have been administered across the state.
The governor gave the latest COVID-19 figures in writing on Monday afternoon rather than in a news conference, likely because of conflicting news out of Louisville regarding a fatal shooting early Monday morning that Beshear later addressed in a quickly scheduled new conference.
Earlier in the day, Beshear called for the release of law enforcement body camera footage after David McAtee was shot and killed following an exchange of gunfire with Louisville police and members of the National Guard early Monday morning. On Monday afternoon, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said the two LMPD officers involved in the shooting had violated department policy by not activating their body cameras before firing their weapons. That means it’s unclear who shot and killed McAtee.
Fischer said LMPD Police Chief Steve Conrad, who was set to retire this month, had been fired as a result of the policy violation. Kentucky State Police is investigating the incident.
Hundreds of people across Kentucky, including in Louisville and Lexington, gathered over the weekend to protest police violence, including the killing of Breonna Taylor, a Louisville EMT who was shot eight times by Louisville Metro police in March after they broke down her door serving a no-knock warrant.
Beshear has asked those protesting to wear a mask and, if they can, practice social distancing. “I know that this is ultimately about justice and public safety that we ought to see going forward,” he said. “Those that are protesting, demonstrating, giving voice, if you will, wear a mask — this [virus] is still out there.”
“If you will, spread out. And I know this is ultimately about wanting to feel safe,” he said. “So, if you will, provide for other people’s safety. If you have been in large crowds, avoid seniors, avoid those that have underlying health conditions.”
This story was originally published June 1, 2020 at 4:59 PM.
