Coronavirus in Kentucky: Cancel church services and avoid all crowds, Beshear urges
All Kentuckians should avoid crowds and large gatherings, including church services and other community gatherings, in an effort to prevent community spread of novel coronavirus, Gov. Andy Beshear warned Wednesday morning.
The Democratic governor said he is closing state prisons and similar correctional facilities to visitors and urged employers to let employees work from home whenever possible. He also said state employees are restricted from non-essential travel outside Kentucky and urged private employers to follow suit.
He asked school districts to develop plans to close schools on short notice. While no mass closures of schools are necessary yet, Beshear said, it’s “very possible that in the future we’re going to have to ask schools in Kentucky to close down for a period of time.”
No new people tested positive on Wednesday for novel coronavirus in Kentucky, Beshear said Wednesday afternoon.
A total of 11 cases were tested: 10 came back negative, one came back inconclusive. The inconclusive test was of a patient who previously tested positive and is improving, he said.
Kentucky’s total number of confirmed cases remains at eight: five in Harrison County, two in Fayette County and one in Jefferson County.
The World Health Organization hours earlier declared the outbreak of the viral respiratory illness, also known as COVID-19, a pandemic. WHO’s biggest concern, Beshear said, is “what they call alarming levels of inaction.”
“Our goal is to be taking action to ensure we can address this virus, that we can protect the most vulnerable in Kentucky,” he said.
Beshear asked church leaders across the state to consider canceling services for at least this week and the upcoming weekend as a necessary step to help protect the health of members who are over 60 or have underlying medical conditions.
Beshear revealed Wednesday afternoon that at least two of the people with COVID-19 attended church together in Harrison County and referenced it as an impetus for why his call to cancel church services and community gatherings should be taken seriously.
“I know it is a big step, but I can tell you the direct connection between at least two Harrison County residents is that they go to church together,” he said. “We would not be suggesting” that these services should be canceled “if we did not believe this coronavirus can be or is currently being spread in those areas.”
“I know that’s a big step, I know that some people won’t agree with it, but I believe it’s our job to offer those protections,” he said.
Pastor Nick Sandefur of Lexington’s Porter Memorial Baptist Church announced through an open letter on Facebook Wednesday that the church is encouraging people to stay home and watch an online broadcast of their service.
“We will not turn people away who come to church but encourage them to be responsible in their decision,” he wrote.
Sandefur said he’s not sure it’s necessary to alter church services, but cited a passage in Romans 13 that tells Christians to respect government authorities.
“We understand the difficult position the governor is in, and we are trying to do our part to help,” Sandefur said in the letter. “We will continue to follow this recommendation until it causes us to compromise our convictions or harm our faith community.”
Beshear praised the NCAA’s historic decision to restrict fan attendance at Division 1 men’s and women’s basketball tournament games. “That should show you how important this guidance is,” Beshear said, adding that he thinks the SEC should follow suit.
He also pleaded with individuals who are 60 or over or who have compromised immune systems to stay away from the Mingua Beef Jerky/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16 tournament, which began Wednesday in Rupp Arena.
Meanwhile, organizers announced the cancellation of this weekend’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival and Shamrock Shuffle 3K in Lexington.
The next month is going to be “critical” in both determining “how long” Kentucky is responding to coronavirus cases, and “how severe the impact will be,” Beshear said. “I don’t believe we’re overreacting. I do believe we’re being aggressive.”
Wednesday’s announcements from Beshear mark some of the most widespread directives he has given since Kentucky confirmed its first case of the viral respiratory illness on Friday.
Beshear said Wednesday morning that four of Kentucky’s COVID-19 patients are being treated in hospitals and four are in home isolation.
“The good news is that all eight are stable, are doing well, and a couple of these individuals may almost be through this,” Beshear said.
Some populations are bound to be more affected by the state’s new mitigation parameters than others. Temporarily suspending visitation for much of the state’s incarcerated population was a “very hard decision to make, because for a confined person, seeing your family and friends on that weekly visit is very important,” Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Commissioner Mary Noble on Wednesday, but it’s a way to help “maintain their health in that closed environment.”
Those affected by the new no-visitor policy would be provided with a “free phone call each and up to two contacts through controlled social media source,” Noble said.
Beshear on Tuesday recommended that all nursing homes prohibit visitors for the time being, with few exceptions, including loved ones visiting patients receiving end-of-life care.
Kentucky residents can call the state coronavirus hotline — 1-800-722-5725 — for advice about when to seek medical treatment. Visit Kentucky’s coronavirus website, kycovid19.ky.gov, for more guidance about the disease.
This story was originally published March 11, 2020 at 9:54 AM.
