FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky reports its first death from the new coronavirus. Gov. Andy Beshear this morning said the 66-year-old Bourbon County man who died had other health conditions.
Beshear said over the weekend the patient was in “bad shape” and not expected to recover. He offered his sympathy to the man's family and friends.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus.
In his latest step to try to minimize the spread of the virus, Beshear said he was ordering all bars and restaurant dine-in services in the state to close. The order does not apply to carryout and food delivery services, which can continue, he said.
He acknowledged the closures will hurt businesses.
"We're going to do everything we can to help with the financial impact," he said. "It's not lost on me that most of these are small businesses. ...But we have to take steps to make sure that we are protecting our people, and this is a necessary one."
Beshear also ordered the state capitol in Frankfort closed to non-essential personnel, starting Tuesday.
"I am a person who ran on these door being open for everyone all the time," the governor said. "We're dealing with something that we could have never anticipated. And at the end, my obligation is to keep people safe as we move forward."
Beshear said he anticipates ordering daycare facilities to close later this week. But he said he plans to give a 72-hour notice with special exemptions for healthcare workers who still need childcare.
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Lovan reported from Louisville, Kentucky. Associated Press writer Rebecca Yonker in Louisville contributed to this report.
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