Governor Andy Beshear confirmed 124 positive cases of COVID-19 in Kentucky and the state’s fourth virus-related death in today’s update. The death in Lexington was an 82-year-old female who had underlying health conditions.
Beshear said he’s going to light up the governor’s mansion green and asked others to do the same if they can. He said the color represents compassion, empathy and renewal.
Beshear said the state gained 21 new COVID-19 cases since he last reported in yesterday’s presser. He said the state expects the numbers to go up each day as more tests are administered and more labs come online.
The cases come from all over the state, including Allen, Breathitt, Daviess, Fayette, Harrison, Jefferson, Scott, Simpson and Warren Counties. Beshear said just because there isn’t a confirmation in a county, doesn’t mean there isn’t a COVID-19 case.
One new lab called AIT Laboratories has come online to increase testing capacity.
“The more labs we have doing tests, the better it is for Kentucky,” Beshear said.
Beshear asked Sunday for churches to ring their bells. He asked organizations today to ring their bells every morning at 10 a.m. to remind everybody “that we are out there and that we care about them.”
Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack wrote a letter to Kentucky medical students to volunteer in the pandemic. Stack said as of this morning 263 students have volunteered to donate their time in the emergency response efforts. He said the state is going to solicit nursing students and others to help.
New Steps
Beshear announced a new Team Kentucky fundthat went live today. He said the fund is an “opportunity to make sure that we can help with as many sacrifices that people are making as possible.”
“The Team Kentucky fund to the extent people donate to it will help provide financial assistance to Kentuckians whose employment has been affected by this virus.”
The fund will be overseen by the Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet. Beshear said the fund will work like most popular fundraising platforms.
“You can log on, click a couple buttons and give instantly,” he said.
Beshear invited individuals and businesses who can to make a “#TeamKentucky contribution.” He said donations are tax-deductible.
Beshear also announced a COVID-19 reporting hotline for people to report situations and groups or organizations they believe are dangerous. He said this could be groups not engaging in social distancing or businesses not abiding by CDC guidelines. The hotline is 1-833-KYSAFER or 1-833-597-2337. Beshear said the hotline will be staffed from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. by labor cabinet employees. People can also leave messages after hours.
“Those who are not in compliance with our state orders, this is a call that can allow government to know,” he said.
Beshear said the state is also taking “security measures” around hospitals to ensure safety. He said people will see additional law enforcement and National Guard around hospitals.
“This isn’t about enforcing any type of curfew. It’s not about circling anybody’s neighborhood. I just want to make sure that if we see that scenario where our hospitals and our medical centers have a surge, that we can take care of everyone in the most orderly fashion.”
Beshear also encouraged all radio and TV stations to do public service announcements. He said Kentucky needs more encouragement about social distancing and recommended stations pull information from the kycovid19.ky.gov website.
Beshear said the state is going to be conducting a survey of outpatient surgical centers for their supplies and staff.
“If we see a surge of cases, we want to know where every piece of equipment is in this state and we want to know every one of those healthcare providers,” he said.
He said it's something the state is doing so it can “marshal every single resource at a time of need.” Beshear said tomorrow he will provide a number to call for those who want to volunteer that information.
Beshear said the state also issued an order for a Louisville man to self-quarantine.
Unemployment Insurance Claims
Beshear said the state is changing parameters on mass layoffs. Any employer with at least 50 employees who is laying off at least 15 employees is encouraged to file a claim on their behalf through the E-Claims processing.
“That helps make sure people get their unemployment faster,” Beshear said. “It’s something that a business that wishes they weren’t having to do what they are having to do can help their employees.”
Beshear said the state released new regional telephone numbers for Kentuckians to call with unemployment questions. He said the numbers will “help you get your help faster.”
Beshear said beginning today, the day that someone files an unemployment claim will be different based on their last name. He said the schedule helps the state cut down on wait times. He said people won’t be penalized for waiting for their day, even if their last name indicates they file on a later day.
Beshear said the state has trained 138 workers from different cabinets on claims adjudication to help speed up the unemployment claims process.
Steps Taken To Address COVID-19
The state is closing non-essential retail businesses to in-person traffic as of 8 p.m. Monday night. These include entertainment, sporting goods, clothing, shoes, jewelry, bookstores, florists, furniture and auto dealers. Beshear said these retail businesses can still do curbside and pickup and urged them to be “innovative.” He said stores unaffected by this order are grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, drug stores, liquor stores, hardware stores, agriculture supply and equipment stores and auto repairs and parts stores. Beshear said these stores still need to follow CDC guidelines and “spread people out.” He said auto dealers will still be able to provide repairs and parts and can only do sales if the interaction is complete online or over the phone.
The state, starting Monday, is mandating that medical facilities cease elective procedures. He said the vast majority of providers have responded to the state’s recommendation voluntarily.
Kentucky has issued a state of emergency that Beshear said will last until COVID-19 is “taken care of.” He said the state’s emergency management operations center is up, as well as the state health operations center.
The state established the COVID-19 hotline and a website providing updates on the virus for Kentuckians. People who are sick but would have not sought care should contact their healthcare provider to prevent flooding of health care facilities. People who have questions about the virus call the COVID-19 Hotline at (800) 722-5725
A price gouging order is in effect. Kentuckians who have any information regarding possible price gouging should dial (888) 432-9257 for the Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection hotline.
Officials adjusted state government sick leave policy to ensure sick employees stay at home. Beshear said businesses should do the same. He encouraged all businesses to allow employees to work from home if at all possible.
The state published CDC guidelines with warnings for sick individuals. Beshear said people over the age of 60 or people with heart, lung or kidney disease; compromised immune systems; or diabetes should be extremely careful and avoid places with crowds. He said Kentuckians should not fly if they don’t have to and that no one should get on a cruise ship.CDC guidelines say everyone should be engaged in social distancing.
Beshear issued an executive order to waive copays, deductibles, cost-sharing and diagnostic testing fees for private insurance and state employees. He said the state has issued executive orders and worked in Medicaid to make sure COVID-19 testing and treatment is free.
Beshear signed an executive order to allow pharmacists to refill prescriptions for up to 30 days.
The state closed all state prisons to visitors.
Beshear said the state closed restaurants and bars to all in-person traffic, except for drive-thru, delivery and, in some instances, take-out.
Beshear said the state has limited visitation in “just about every type of facility that works with or for our seniors.”
The state has recommended schools cease in-class activities, including in-person classes. Beshear said Friday this has been extended to April 21 and, as of now, all school districts have complied.
Beshear said the state is making sure first responders and health care workers are covered through Kentucky Employers Mutual Insurance. The insurance provides wage replacement benefits for first responders and medical personnel who have been quarantined for COVID-19.
Child care centers are closed with the exception of those helping healthcare workers and first responders.
The state postponed primary elections, moving voting to June 23.
The state issued an executive order to close all public-facing businesses that encourage public congregation.
Beshear said the state has waived the waiting period for unemployment insurance and continues to work to reduce the barriers to unemployment. Beshear said they are working on unemployment for independent contractors and small business owners.
The federal government’s Small Business Administration has granted Kentucky application to allow small businesses to get disaster loans. Beshear said SBA’s website is fixed and small businesses can now apply online for the disaster loans they need. SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans applications can be completed and filed online at www.sba.gov/disaster.
All Kentuckians on the Grand Princess cruise ship were brought back home.
The state provided a three-month extension on driver’s licenses.
Beshear said the state is extending Medicaid, SNAP and other benefits: “If it’s running out and you would have to reapply in the next couple of months, you don’t have to.” He said the state is re-upping people on those benefits for a three-month period.
The state has suspended all charitable gaming licenses.
The state has issued a formal letter banning all mass gatherings.
The state is delaying the tax filing deadline by three months from April 15 to July 15.
Beshear said the state has issued guidance for good mental health.
