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Beshear Confirms Second Death Due To COVID-19

Ryan Van Velzer

During this evening’s COVID-19 daily state-wide update, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed the second death due to the virus and case numbers up to 47 in the Commonwealth. 

The second life claimed by Coronavirus was a 64-year-old man from Jefferson County. The individual passed away on March 13. His test came back March 19 confirming he was positive for the virus. Beshear said the patient fell into the “vulnerable population.”

Another positive test out of Jefferson County came from a six-year-old. Beshear confirmed the child is doing well, but has been hospitalized through general admission. Beshear reiterated the statistic he shared in the March 18 update, that no ICU (Intensive Care Unit) admissions or deaths have been reported in the country for those in the 19 years of age population

“I hope that I've been clear. It isn't that kids can't get the coronavirus. It's that they are exceedingly resilient to the coronavirus,” Beshear said. “Even when they get sick. They have been very resilient towards it.”

An executive order was signed March 19 by Beshear prohibiting gatherings, including religious meetings.

 “We are clarifying one of our earlier orders to say that all gatherings, all gatherings where people would come together, are closed,” Beshear said. “Any type of social gatherings we can't do. That includes our houses of worship and their services. I'm a person of deep faith, I’m a deacon in my own church, and it's not an easy decision, but it is an absolutely necessary decision.”

Corrie Shull pastors Burnett Baptist Church in Louisville. He praised the governor for his leadership and wisdom in helping to contain the spread of the virus. Shull suggested churches across the state continue to worship through virtual means like live streaming or “ZOOM” conference call. 

Shull encouraged Kentuckians to practice social distancing by referencing scripture. 

“There was a day when a lawyer asked a carpenter what is the greatest of the law. That carpenter responded to him that the greatest commandment is to love your God with all of your heart, mind, soul. And the second is likened to it. It is to love your neighbor as yourself,” Shull said. “This is a time when we practice loving our neighbors. This is a time where we want for our neighbors what we want for our families. Safety, health, and ultimately to emerge from this crisis with little social devastation. We can make this happen.”

Although an executive order has been issued banning gatherings, Beshear said there will be no penalty. 

“We don't want to issue penalties. I gotta tell you, we're not going to be out there arresting people, that's not the right thing to do. The right thing is for everybody to do their duty,” Beshear said.

Even though restaurants and bars are closed, they can now deliver alcoholic beverages along with carry out orders. 

“We will have guidance on our website (governor.ky.gov/covid19) about the ability for restaurants and bars to deliver alcoholic beverages. There are going to be some specific limitations or requirements on it,” Beshear said. 

Beshear addressed the Senate’s recent budget, “I’m extremely disappointed in the version of the budget that we saw from the Senate last night.”

The State Senate’s version of the budget from the March 18 meeting included cuts to Medicaid. 

Beshear said, “They cut Medicaid, which we're gonna have more people on than ever. What I saw was a cut of dollars to make sure every child is signed up for Medicaid in a national pandemic. Don't you all think every child should have healthcare? I do.”

Beshear urged Kentuckians to continue applying for Medicaid and Unemployment benefits. 

“We have more Unemployment Claims than we've ever seen,” Beshear said. “It's gonna sound strange, keep them coming, keep them coming. We want to help each and every one of you.” 

To sign up for Medicaid go to healthbenefitexchange.ky.gov or call 855-459-6328. For other benefits visit benefind.ky.gov or call 855-306-8959. Beshear warned wait times for Medicaid or Unemployment phone calls will likely be longer than they should be and wants to encourage patience in the public. 

The state has applied for an Small Business Association (SBA) Disaster Loan, and Beshear said he expects a positive response. Unemployment insurance capacity has been “significantly” increased according to the governor. There is a schedule on the state COVID-19 update website directing individuals when to sign up for unemployment insurance in order of their last name. 

Beshear said even if your area has not yet had a positive test result the virus is in your community and individuals must be proactive. 

“Any region that says, ‘We haven't had it here,’ you have it. You have it with so many people being asymptomatic,” Beshear said. “Please, do not wait to take the steps that we need to or to enforce the guidance. It is in your community. The more you do now, the better.”

Kentucky has at least eight different labs providing testing, according to Beshear. He said he hopes to see more moving forward. 

“The news it’s probably going to get a little tougher each and every day until it starts getting better. Let's be prepared. Let's be resilient,” Beshear said.  “Primarily, let's be committed to doing our duty as members of this Commonwealth, follow the guidelines, be a good neighbor, be kind to each other, but ultimately stay away from each other.”

 

Hannah is a Murray State Journalism major. She found her place in radio during her second year in Murray. She is from Herndon, KY, a small farming community on the Kentucky/Tennessee stateline.
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