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.
All of the people who have died from the coronavirus in Kentucky have been older than 60, which is the highest-risk demographic.
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.
Key recent updates
Out-of-state travel restricted
Gov. Beshear issued an order Monday restricting out-of-state travel by Kentuckians during the state of emergency. The decree allows for a range of exemptions, including travel to other states for work and groceries, to care for loved ones, to obtain health care and when required by a court order. Kentuckians arriving back in the commonwealth from out of state are required to self-quarantine for 14 days.
10 Steps to Fight COVID-19
“Stay Healthy at Home” is the very first measure on a new 10-step plan to fight the coronavirus that Gov. Beshear unveiled Monday. The 10 Steps to Fight COVID-19 include tips on sanitation and social distancing as well as information for those seeking help with unemployment, mental health issues and health care benefits.
Federal disaster aid, CARES Act help Kentuckians
Gov. Beshear announced two moves by the federal government to help the commonwealth’s coronavirus response and recovery efforts. The Major Disaster Declaration issued by President Donald Trump broadens access to the Public Assistance Program statewide to pay for emergency protective services. And the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act provides a variety of assistance and hope to Kentuckians whose livelihoods have been harmed by the coronavirus outbreak and response. Among the provisions are a $600 raise to the maximum weekly benefit, an additional 13 weeks of coverage and expanded eligibility for unemployment insurance.
Team Kentucky Fund
Gov. Beshear, along with the Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet, took executive action to establish the Team Kentucky Fund, a GoFundMe-style online platform to provide financial help to Kentuckians whose employment is affected by the coronavirus. The Governor has challenged those who are able to help to make a tax-deductible donation to the fund. Monday, Gov. Beshear shared a video from University of Louisville head football Coach Scott Satterfield encouraging people to contribute to the fund and to do their part to stop the spread of the virus. Last week, University of Kentucky basketball Coach John Calipari urged people to help their neighbors.
Reporting hotline
Gov. Beshear announced the COVID-19 Reporting Hotline 833-KY SAFER (833-597-2337) for complaints about non-compliance with coronavirus mandates. Labor Cabinet personnel monitor the hotline from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. Kentuckians can also visit the website kysafer.ky.gov to register complaints online.
To read about other key updates from Gov. Beshear visit the news section on governor.ky.gov.
More Information
Gov. Beshear has taken decisive action to protect all Kentuckians since the first case was confirmed in the commonwealth. To read the full list of actions Gov. Beshear has taken to protect Kentuckians and limit the spread of the coronavirus, visit governor.ky.gov/covid19.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages people to follow these steps to prevent illness. Kentuckians who want advice can call the state hotline at 800-722-5725 or call their local health care provider. To read Gov. Beshear’s news releases and watch other news regarding COVID-19 visit governor.ky.gov.
Each day at 5 p.m. ET, Gov. Beshear holds briefings for Kentuckians that are streamed online at his Facebook and YouTube pages.
Gov. Beshear continues to urge Kentuckians to be cautious of rumors and depend on proven and good sources of news, including governor.ky.gov, kycovid19.ky.gov and the Governor’s official social media accounts Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Team Kentucky hashtags for social media
#TeamKentucky, #TogetherKY, #Patriot and #HealthyAtHome.
