Updated: Three new cases of coronavirus confirmed in Kentucky, Gov. Beshear says
Note: The Herald-Leader and McClatchy news sites have lifted the paywall on this developing story, providing critical information to readers. To support vital reporting such as this, please consider a digital subscription.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced Sunday night that three more cases of novel coronavirus have been confirmed in the state, bringing the total to four.
The new cases are from tests out of Harrison, Fayette and Jefferson counties. Beshear said in an announcement on Facebook live that all of the individuals affected are in isolation.
No more details were released on the new cases because the information was “that new,” Beshear said. He assured viewers of the announcement that the state is ready to handle the cases, and that state epidemiologists were hard at work.
State officials and the governor have been communicating with the cities of Lexington and Louisville and their local health departments, as well as officials in Harrison County, Beshear said.
“We have been preparing with every minute that we have had to make sure that we can respond and respond appropriately,” Beshear said.
So far, there have been 21 tests for novel coronavirus completed in Kentucky, Beshear said. Seventeen were negative.
“We will get through this,” Beshear said. “We’ll do it together, we’re doing it by caring about each other, by practicing good hygiene. Folks, we are going to make it through this.”
Beshear reminded Kentuckians to wash their hands more often than they usually would, and to wash them for longer. He also advised people to stay home if they are sick, and to keep children who feel sick home from school to help prevent the spread of the illness.
“We expected cases in these counties, it was going to happen,” Beshear said. “And folks, we’re going to have more positive tests that come back. But as long as we are ready, as long as we are working together and as long as we all remain calm, we’re going to be okay.”
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton and Fayette County commissioner of health Dr. Kraig Humbaugh said Sunday night in a joint statement that city officials are working to identify and talk to people who may have come in contact with the Lexington patient. Once individuals are found who may have come in contact with coronavirus, they will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms.
“We can, and we will, get through this,” Gorton said in the statement. “We need to take care of the elderly, pay attention to basic hygiene, and remember there’s no need to panic. Just use common sense and be prepared. We will make sure you stay informed.”
Fayette County Public Schools were also monitoring the development of coronavirus cases Sunday night and working to learn more about how the case could affect schools in the district.
“FCPS is working closely with the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department and mayor’s office to gather more information as they conduct the contact tracing,” school district spokeswoman Lisa Deffendall said. “Once we have that information, it will inform our next steps.”
Superintendent Manny Caulk said in a letter to district staff that the local health department is working with the state health department to identify and speak with all those who may have come in close contact with the person from Lexington. Individuals will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms.
“Beginning Monday we will institute our next level of cleaning protocols, which include shifting staff assignments to increase the number of people available for cleaning, increasing the frequency of cleaning of all common area surfaces, holding library books for 24-hours before they are placed back into circulation and instituting additional disinfection of buses, “ he said.
Kentucky Department of Education spokeswoman Toni Konz Tatman said state education officials are looking at ways to be as accommodating as possible to districts that may be interested in allowing students to work from home in a nontraditional instructional program on certain days for the remainder of 2019-2020 year.
The department also is requesting a waiver from the U.S. Agriculture Department to allow meal services during temporary school closures to minimize potential exposure to the coronavirus.
The nutritious food would continue to be free to low-income children, she said. The meals do not have to be served in a group setting.
Kentucky’s first confirmed case of novel coronavirus came out of Harrison County, where schools are closed for the week. The first confirmed patient was taken to University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital, where they have been in isolation. Jay Blanton, a UK spokesman, said that none of the three new coronavirus patients are in UK hospitals.
In Louisville, the patient with a confirmed case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is being treated at Norton Brownsboro Hospital.
The patient was tested for COVID-19 after arriving at Norton Brownsboro Hospital with respiratory symptoms, a hospital news release said.
Beshear echoed the Centers for Disease Control warning that the elderly and those with lung, heart and kidney disease are particularly vulnerable to novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Novel coronavirus causes respiratory illness.
Sunday night, the city of Lexington advised those who are vulnerable to stay home as much as possible, avoid crowds and avoid being in close proximity with those who are ill.
Those who are feeling well should check on the elderly, particularly home-bound seniors, Beshear said.
On Friday night, Beshear declared a public health emergency, allowing for use of federal funds and resources as the state works to deal with the illness.
At 8:45 a.m. Monday, Beshear is scheduled to give another update on coronavirus at a press conference.
The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has organized a call center for people who have question about novel coronavirus. Residents can call (859) 899-2222 or email COVID19@lfchd.org with questions.
Herald-Leader reporter Valarie Honeycutt Spears contributed to this report.
This story was originally published March 8, 2020 at 5:56 PM.
