Gov. Andy Beshear says he tested negative for coronavirus; cases in KY grow to 21
Gov. Andy Beshear said he tested negative for coronavirus after reports that he attended an event in Louisville where someone else has since tested positive.
Beshear addressed the issue during a news conference on Sunday, during which he also said there were two new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Kentucky, up from 18 on Saturday. A third case was announced after 6 p.m. bringing the total to 21. The new cases are in Clark and Jefferson counties.
The Courier-Journal in Louisville reported Sunday that Beshear and U.S. Sen. Rand Paul attended a March 7 event at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville that was also attended by a guest who has now tested positive for COVID-19. Beshear said he was tested because he was considered “mission critical” on the response to the pandemic.
“I will still be here each and every day, making sure that I do what I need to do to help get us through this,” Beshear said. “People we know are going to test positive and that’s OK. We just need to make sure we take the right steps to make sure that they are OK.”
Rep. John Yarmuth, D-Louisville, who also attended the event, said he will enter self-quarantine for 14 days.
Kelsey Cooper, a spokeswoman for Paul, said the senator did not come in contact with the woman who tested positive for COVID-19.
“He wishes everyone a speedy recovery and urges everyone to follow public health guidelines such as frequent hand washing and avoiding large crowds,” Cooper said.
So far more than 254 people have been tested for the coronavirus in Kentucky and 21 tests have come back positive — six in Harrison County (one person recovered), five in Fayette County, six in Jefferson County, one in Bourbon County, one in Clark County, one in Nelson County and one in Montgomery County. The man who tested positive in Nelson county refused to self-isolate, against medical advice, and is currently being forced in isolation at his home under a judge’s order.
Beshear addressed two other points at the beginning of his media conference: people stocking up on large amounts of supplies at grocery stores, and others going out in large numbers to bars over the weekend.
Beshear said the run on supplies isn’t good for the state because it could prevent people from getting critical supplies that they need, like baby formula.
“When we make a run on supplies and you buy an eight month supply of something, that means other people who need it aren’t able to get it,” Beshear said. “That is not being a good teammate. Fear can cause so much more harm than this virus ever will.”
In response to questions about the run on some stores, Beshear said the state is looking into reported shortages and that he will have conversations with the food industry to insure that the supply chain keeps moving.
Beshear said he saw videos of people packing into bars and clubs this weekend in advance of St. Patrick’s Day, even as directives have gone out through the state to close everything from senior centers, to churches and schools. He told people to stop going to bars and clubs in large numbers and that while he isn’t currently recommending that they shut down, he is prepared to make that recommendation if needed.
“We are asking people to make major sacrifices in this state,” Beshear said. “We’re shutting down schools for at least a couple of weeks. We have to make sure these efforts work. And if you go out and get in a small place with 100 plus people, you frustrate those efforts.”
Early data about the coronavirus from Italy and China has shown that the disease is not as deadly for younger people. But Beshear said, even if people are not concerned for their own safety, they have a responsibility to think about the safety of others who are more vulnerable and could be someone’s parent or grandparent.
“Do not pack into one place thinking this is not a big deal,” Beshear urged Kentuckians. “Even if you’re young and healthy and avoid getting sick yourself, you can carry the virus to others and sicken them.”
As Beshear’s press conference was still going on, Matt Jones of Kentucky Sports Radio announced that KSBar and Grille in Lexington would be voluntarily closing to in-person dining Sunday evening. He said it would shift to in-person pickup and delivery on Monday.
“I hate having to close @KSBarAndGrille right now temporarily not only for our fans/customers, but even more importantly, for our staff,” Jones tweeted. “But I think it’s the right thing to do and the responsible decision.”
The sports world has come to a grinding halt amid the coronavirus outbreak, including the cancellation of the NCAA basketball tournament and the shuttering of professional sports. One of Kentucky’s signature industries — horse racing — has closed the doors to the public.
A short time later, Lexington’s West Sixth Brewing announced that it was temporarily closing its taprooms “until it is safe to reopen.”
Keeneland’s Vince Gabbert said Sunday that the track is going a step further and the Red Mile gambling facility and simulcasting are shutting down while Keeneland will be closing its track to all but essential personnel who must pass temperature checks. Tours of Keeneland have been canceled until April 14.
Beshear also said that 14 Kentuckians who were onboard The Grand Princess, a cruise ship where 21 people tested positive for COVID-19, are currently on their way back to Kentucky. All 14 have tested negative and will be kept in home isolation for 14 days. Two more Kentuckians who were on The Grand Princess will be brought home tomorrow.
Kentucky residents can call the state coronavirus hotline — 1-800-722-5725 — for advice about when to seek medical treatment. Those with symptoms of coronavirus — cough, fever and difficulty breathing — are strongly urged to call the hotline or their physician before visiting a doctor.
Visit Kentucky’s coronavirus website, kycovid19.ky.gov, for more guidance about the disease.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
This story was originally published March 15, 2020 at 4:16 PM.
