Loud protesters outside the state capitol could be heard during Governor Andy Beshear’s afternoon briefing Wednesday demanding he reopen the state now, but the governor says that would cost lives.
Governor Beshear says he will be working with the governors of Ohio and Indiana when decisions begin on when and how to reopen Kentucky during this pandemic. He believes Kentucky is still on the incline of cases and now is not the time to begin that process.
The governor believes the three states have had a similar approach to fighting the spread of the virus since the events began and he’s been in consistent contact with those governors.
He acknowledged the protestors who could be heard through the online and TV broadcast and said their demand to reopen now would have dire consequences.
The governor announced a partnership with the City of Louisville, University of Louisville and Christina Lee Brown Environmental Institute called the Co-Immunity Project. He says the intention is to test individuals for potential immunity after recovery and to identify people who would be ideal donors of plasma to assist those fighting the virus.
Governor Beshear announced 88 new cases from Tuesday to Wednesday, though he says that number was likely artificially low due to some known positive tests not coming in yet. There were seven new deaths to report, including a 94-year old Hopkins County woman.
Three additional staff members at Western State Hospital have tested positive for COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Tennessee now has 6,079 confirmed cases and 135 deaths. Montgomery County only gained one case from Tuesday to Wednesday and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has asked all school systems to remain closed for the remainder of the school year to avoid spreading the virus.
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Protestors yelling outside @GovAndyBeshear’s press room. ‘Facts over fear’ they also yell pic.twitter.com/ASfyE7Kigl
— Matt Stone (@mattstonephotog) April 15, 2020