Gov. signs executive order concerning evictions

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced 373 new cases of COVID-19 during Monday’s press conference and set guidelines down concerning evictions in the state.

Those new numbers puts the overall totals at 43,899, with a positivity rate of 4.77 percent as the state starts a new week of reporting. Four more Kentuckians have died, including a 72-year old woman from Marion County.

The governor says he’s becoming increasingly concerned that the data is showing a potential for another spike in cases, and he’s urging everyone to stay vigilant and keep up those health guidelines, even though he knows people are becoming fatigued.

Governor Beshear signed an executive order that sets down that landlords must give tenants 30 days’ notice of intent to evict for non-payment and during that 30 days the landlord and tenant must meet and confer on the situation.  No penalties, late fees or interest can be charged relating to non-payment of rent from March 6 through the end of the year.

Beshear says he thinks this is a step to help circumvent potential financial struggle and homelessness during a world-wide pandemic.

Approximately $15 million in federal coronavirus relief funds will go towards creation of the Healthy at Home Eviction Relief fund.

The Tennessee Department of Health is reporting 667 new cases Monday, the first time since July that the Volunteer State has reported less than 1,000 cases. They did report 21 new deaths—Montgomery County gained 27 new cases, Robertson County reported three new cases and Stewart County once again saw no new cases.