There are now 21 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Kentucky as efforts continue to curb how many people will contract coronavirus in the coming days and weeks.
Harrison and Jefferson counties each have six cases, Fayette County has five, and there is one case each in Bourbon, Nelson, Montgomery and Clark counties. One of those patients who has other underlying health conditions is in grave condition and not expected to survive. Governor Andy Beshear noted Sunday afternoon there is still not an ample supply of tests in the commonwealth to test everyone who wants to be tested, but efforts are ongoing to make that possible.
He again stressed the need for good hygiene and hand-washing practices as the best way to fight the spread of the virus, in addition to social distancing. He expressed frustration that large crowds packed some clubs and bars over the weekend.
Very few local churches heeded the advice of state and local officials Sunday morning to dismiss in-person services in exchange for an online experience. Governor Beshear assured churches Sunday he isn’t singling them out, he is asking for all community gatherings to be canceled or postponed.
He again stressed the negative affect it has when Kentuckians act out of fear and buy far more products than what they need at grocery stores.
Vice President Mike Pence said during a briefing shortly after the governor’s that he’s been assured by grocery and big box store CEO’s that they will not be closing and that they will continue stocking goods now and in the future.
The governor says he was recently at an event where an individual was present who later tested positive for coronavirus. Beshear says he was tested and the result came back negative.
He reiterated that a vast majority of people who contract COVID-19 will be fine and some won’t show symptoms—but it’s those who are over 60 years old or who have other health conditions who are most vulnerable.
Child care facilities have been advised to prepare for a recommendation to close within 72 hours, should that become necessary, but that directive has not been given yet. The governor says a sheriff’s deputy remains outside of the home of a Nelson County resident who tested positive for COVID-19, but who refused to self-isolate after being released from a hospital.