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First Case Of Coronavirus In West Kentucky Confirmed In Lyon County

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Governor Andy Beshear says the first confirmed case of the new coronavirus in west Kentucky is in Lyon County. During a press conference Tuesday, Beshear said the affected person is a 69-year-old man. 

Lyon County Judge-Executive Wade White said the Pennyrile District Health Department is still determining how the man contracted the virus. White said he learned about the case when Beshear called him 10 minutes before the press conference.

 

“We want to protect those who this is most dangerous to: our elderly, people with underlying conditions,” White said. “So if there are people in Lyon County that are in that category, and they don’t have neighbors or family that are going to get them groceries or take care of them, I want them to call me.”

 

He said volunteers would be made available to service people at risk for the disease. People who have questions or need services at the Lyon County courthouse are asked to call first before coming to the courthouse. Churches in the county are also offering assistance.

 

Beshear also announced all public businesses that allow for congregations larger than what federal guidelines recommend will have to close by 5 p.m. local time on Wednesday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends not holding gatherings of more than 50 people to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

 

Beshear said some examples of businesses that would have to close include theaters, nail salons, concert venues and gyms. He said businesses affected generally include recreational and entertainment facilities.

 

“A lot of those things we don’t have,” said White. “There’s a lot of people that still have to go to work and still have to take care of their family….I trust the people in Lyon County to be smart about it.”

 

White said those who have questions about the virus or need services can call the courthouse at 270-388-7311.

 

This article may be updated.

 

"Liam Niemeyer is a reporter for the Ohio Valley Resource covering agriculture and infrastructure in Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia and also serves Assistant News Director at WKMS. He has reported for public radio stations across the country from Appalachia to Alaska, most recently as a reporter for WOUB Public Media in Athens, Ohio. He is a recent alumnus of Ohio University and enjoys playing tenor saxophone in various jazz groups."
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