Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear elaborated on reopening guidelines for certain sectors of the economy during Tuesday’s conference, and announced 20 new deaths related to COVID-19 in the state.
There were 164 new cases, putting the state total at 8,100 since the pandemic began, with Beshear saying Tuesday’s numbers are still on track for the plateau they believe the state to be in. Testing continues to increase the state, with 153,800 people now having been tested. He reported that 20 Kentuckians have died, the most ever reported in one day and including a 60-year old Logan County resident, and it brings the total to 366.
The governor says it’s upsetting to see that number and each one of them was important and loved.
Groups of 10 or less will be able to gather this Memorial Day weekend and Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack gave some guidance on how to do so safely, including making sure you’re social distancing with people not of your households.
On June 8, museums, libraries, outdoor attractions and distilleries will be able to open back up, and starting Wednesday, retail will also open back up at limited capacities. Governor Beshear says it’s important to get this right the first time.
He says they continue to expand testing across the state, thanks to partnerships with Walmart and Kroger, and urged people to get tested even if they’re just curious, to help them truly get a grasp on how many cases exist in the state. A little over 9,000 entities have applied for the Team Kentucky Fund and donations are still being accepted for that cause that helps those severely impacted by the pandemic.
Tennessee is at 18,378 cases of COVID-19 and 305 deaths as of Tuesday afternoon. Montgomery County gained three cases to 216, Robertson County added four cases to 298 and Stewart County gained one additional cases to eight.