Many non-emergent medical services are reopening in Kentucky Monday, but they must be prepared to meet new standards that slow the spread of COVID-19.
Governor Andy Beshear announced 202 new cases from Saturday to Sunday, bringing the total to 4,074. At least 1,511 of those patients have recovered from the virus.
Three more Kentuckians died, marking 208 coronavirus fatalities.
The opening of some medical services this week includes non-urgent services at healthcare clinics and medical offices; physical therapy settings and chiropractic offices; optometrists; and dental offices with enhanced aerosol protections.
Health Commissioner, Dr. Steven Stack says if offices aren’t prepared to meet new requirements on personal protective equipment and sanitation, then they should delay their reopening.
Governor Beshear says the reopening of the medical sector and eventually the business sector must be done in a gradual, measured and safe manner.
White House standards for reopening the business economy require 14 days of decline in the rate of new cases and an increase in testing, in addition to other factors.
Beshear says he’s continuing to look at the rate of positive tests compared to the number of people being tested to determine if Kentucky is in its decline or still in a plateau.
The governor says he’ll have additional information on phase one for businesses during his Monday briefing.
Tennessee has 9,667 confirmed cases and 181 deaths. Montgomery and Robertson County each have 136 cases and Stewart County is up one to seven cases