Another individual associated with Western State Hospital in Hopkinsville has tested positive for COVID-19 and Governor Andy Beshear says steps are being taken to prevent the virus from spreading in several types of facilities where the outbreak can grow quickly.
Nine patients and four staff members have tested positive at Western State, according to Governor Beshear, who says they have multiple agencies working to find ways to prevent anyone else from falling ill.
Meanwhile, nine inmates and five staff members at the Green River Correctional Complex in Muhlenberg County have tested positive.
The consequences can be especially dire when the virus spreads in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes and the governor says 55 patients and 22 staff members in 21 facilities across the commonwealth have tested positive. Eleven of those patients across the state have died.
There were 147 new cases reported from Monday to Tuesday and while that’s the highest number since the pandemic began. The governor isn’t discouraged by the higher number, noting some labs didn’t report Sunday and Monday and the three-day average is about 80 new cases per day.
Another seven Kentuckians have died, bringing the fatality total to 65.
Kentucky Education Cabinet Deputy Secretary Josh Benton gave an update on unemployment, saying the phone system continues to get backed up with an overload of claims, but they have over 1,000 operators taking calls and will assign more if it’s needed.
The governor reiterated social distancing, staying safe at home and frequent hand washing as the best ways to prevent the spread of the virus.
South of the state line, Montgomery County has a second COVID-19 fatality and 65 total cases. Robertson County also has 65 cases and Stewart County remains at two positive tests. Tennessee has 4,138 total cases and 72 deaths.
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