Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear on Monday used a media briefing in Frankfort to encourage Kentuckians to remain vigilant in the fight against COVID-19.
An executive order signed by Beshear last week requires citizens to wear masks in public places where social distancing cannot be maintained. Beshear said initial polling taken since the requirement shows 73% approval for the order. Public Health Commissioner Steven Stack said wearing a mask is not a political issue.
“It’s a small price to pay, it’s a simple act of kindness, and it’s necessary at this point in medical history,” Stack said.
Beshear also responded to legal actions recently taken in response to his coronavirus-related executive orders. He said he is disappointed by the recent politicization of the virus. He hit back at Republican leaders including Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles and Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who claimed Beshear failed to meet with top Republicans regarding his intentions to take new actions against the virus. Beshear said his administration has made contact with opposition leaders.
“I don’t mean to make them feel left out, but I have a limited amount of time during the day,” Beshear said. “My job is to continue to do what it takes, and we’ll deal with the drama that comes with it.”
Beshear announced 277 new coronavirus cases Monday, brining the total to 19,653. He said the lower positive test number can be attributed to a decline in testing reported by labs over the weekend, and it is not indicative of an overall decline in virus cases.
Four Kentuckians died from COVID-19 complications Monday. A total of 629 Kentuckians are dead as a result of the virus.
More information on Kentucky’s response to COVID-19 may be found here.
