Governor Andy Beshear is telling schools across Kentucky to extend their closure to in-person learning through at least May 1 as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise, including at least three people associated with Western State Hospital in Hopkinsville.
There were 100 new confirmed cases from Wednesday to Thursday, bringing the total to 770. The governor says 10 of the cases reported Wednesday were duplicates or they were actually from a different state. The saddest news was 11 new deaths in the commonwealth and at least 10 of those individuals had other underlying health conditions.
Governor Beshear says two elderly patients are on ventilators with the virus.
He says there’s currently no other information to release on Western State and messages left by WHOP News with a spokesperson for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services have gone unreturned.
Meanwhile, the governor says there should be a better picture of how Kentucky is faring in the battle against the virus by the end of the month and a better decision can be made regarding the rest of the school year.
In other action, Governor Beshear has ceased overnight stays in state parks and he’s requiring anyone coming into the commonwealth from out of state to stay for any period of time to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Justice Cabinet Secretary Michael Brown reported on efforts to release some Class C and D felons from state prisons—saying 186 who are considered most vulnerable are being released following a screening process.
Another 743 Class C and D inmates whose sentences are ending within six months could also soon be released, following a screening process. All will be medically screened and none of the potential released inmates will be in prison for violent or sex crimes.
Anyone with personal protective gear to donate—particularly gloves—is requested to call 502-607-6844.
Tennessee now has 2,845 confirmed cases and 32 deaths. Montgomery County has risen to 37 cases and Robertson has 41. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued a stay at home order, telling residents to not leave their homes unless they are engaging in essential activity.
Social distancing and good hygiene habits remain the best way to keep yourself and your family healthy during this pandemic. The governor again stressed to not allow nice weather on a weekend drive you to make a poor decision to congregate with others and spread the coronavirus.
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