Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed 54 new coronavirus cases and 14 new deaths related to the virus in his April 6 daily update to the Commonwealth. The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the state also surpassed 1,000.
Fourteen of the newly reported cases are in western Kentucky counties: Five are out of Muhlenberg, two out of Christain, two in Hopkins, two from Todd, two in Marshall, and one from Crittenden.
One of the 14 deaths reported was of an 81 year-old man in McCracken County.
“Fifty-four cases, that's a lot less than we expected at this point, but let's not read into anything until we see the following days,” Beshear said. “We think we are still escalating. But, if you want to take something positive from this number, is that what you were doing is working. We're not seeing the day after day increase.”
The governor confirmed the state now has 1,008 total confirmed cases, and 19,955 people have been tested. However, he believes the actual number of tests administered is “much higher”. In Kentucky, 163 people have been hospitalized due to COVID-19, about 70 are currently hospitalized.
Beshear announced first responders may begin using state park cabins for quarantining.
“We're going to be using cabins in our state parks for quarantine for first responders, and we're going to start that program here shortly,” the governor said. “it's a good good use of those state parks and we're excited to do it.”
The program only applies to the state park cabins and not state lodges. The state currently has plans to use the state park lodges in the case additional housing is needed for coronavirus patients. Beshear said the lodges would provide approximately 1,200 extra beds, if needed.
Western State Hospital is an acute care adult psychiatric facility in Christian County, with 12 coronavirus cases in the facility. Three employees and nine residents have tested positive for COVID-19. Beshear said the spread has been traced back to a single individual in the hospital. Three of the residents are currently hospitalized in Hopkinsville. Western State Hospital is currently not accepting new patients.
“I will say Western State is being hit pretty hard. This is what happens when the coronavirus gets into a facility,” Beshear said.
Last week, Beshear announced corrections officials were planning on releasing 186 inmates in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus. He said the inmates are currently going through steps before release, including to ensure they are healthy and have a home to do a 14-day self quarantine.
The governor confirmed there have been 21 inmates tested, with two inmates testing positive. The two positive tests come from Green River Correctional Complex in Central City.
Among Kentucky Department of Corrections staff, 41 have reportedly been tested, with five positive test results. Four of the positive staff results are at Green River Correctional Complex.
“So on the Green River Correctional facility, the inmates are isolated, and others that were in their wing have been monitored since the date of the tests,” Beshear said. “Our hope is that we isolated them quickly enough, but we are watching very carefully, everybody. Inmates are also making cloth masks that could be worn by the general public, but we're also having them wear them, which is a little bit they can do to protect themselves.”
As Easter approaches this Sunday, the governor has approved “drive-up” services, under strict conditions. Beshear said congregations must remain in their cars, with no sitting outside in folding chairs. He urges no communion or offering plates be passed between cars, and cars remain at least six feet from one another. Hopkins County Judge Executive Jack Whitfield, Jr. announced he does not approve drive-up services. Beshear said he supports Whitfield, Jr.’s decision.
“I support both the mayor of Louisville and the county judge in Hopkins in their recommendations. They are on the ground. They are seeing what's going on in their community,” Beshear said. “Everywhere else, make sure if you're going to do this, that nobody gets out of the car. Cars are six feet apart, you're not passing things in the car, to people in and and out either. Please follow those rules.”
Dr. Steven Stack is the Commissioner for Public Health in Kentucky. He said that although the tests are mostly reliable, there can still be false negatives.
“So, I've been very consistent in the last few weeks about saying a negative test does not guarantee you don't have the disease. A positive test means you do have the disease. But, a negative test does not guarantee you don't have the disease,” Stack said. “That's because sometimes if you test too early, you may not have enough virus in your body for us to find it when we test you. So please, don't go seeking tests unless you've talked to the healthcare provider, because getting a test alone does not really help you.”
Beshear said in order for an increase in state testing to happen, there needs to be enough swabs. The governor said he put out a call to any manufacturers he believed could begin providing these unique testing swabs.
The state has increased the number of ventilators by 70, and is planning on increasing the number of licensed hospital beds to around 25,000. Beshear said the better the state follows strict social distancing guidelines, the longer the state has to increase the health care capacity.
“If we are truly flattening our curve, which I believe we are, that means we have the blessing of a little extra time to watch what's happening in other places and make the very best decisions here,” Beshear said.
Steps The State Has Taken To Address COVID-19
Beshear issued an executive order commuting the sentences for 186 C and D felons.
Beshear has issued a 14-day quarantine for returning Kentucky residents who have left the state for reasons other than: caring for a loved one, going to the closest grocery store for supplies, parental visitation, going to work
State officials are moving ahead with plans to convert the Louisville Fairgrounds into a field hospital with at least 2,000 beds. Beshear said the state is working in conjunction with the National Guard and Army Corps of Engineers.
State officials banned overnight stays in state parks. Beshear said this includes campgrounds and lodges.
Beshear extended the policy of no in-person instruction in schools through at least Friday, May 1.
Beshear announced an executive order expanding travel restrictions to where out-of-state people travelling into Kentucky need to quarantine for fourteen days “wherever they’re coming.” People who are just stopping for gas in the state are not included in the order.
Beshear issued an executive order allowing critical workforce sectors to rehire previously retired workers to fill key roles.
Beshear issued an executive order easing restrictions on nurses who live out of state and making it quicker to obtain a license.
Beshear announced a new website portal to connect businesses interested in donating services or supplies with Kentuckians and Kentucky medical facilities in need.
?Beshear asked mayors and county judge-executives to monitor people gathering in public places such as parks and stop them if people are not practicing social distancing and risking the spread of COVID-19.
Unemployment eligibility has been expanded to include individuals typically not covered by unemployment insurance. This includes self-employed, independent contractors, freelance workers, substitute teachers and childcare workers employed by religious affiliated organizations and nonprofits.
?State officials have suspended evictions for the duration of the COVID-19 Emergency.
Beshear established a Team Kentucky fundto help provide financial assistance to Kentuckians whose employment has been affected by this virus. People can donate to the fund that will be overseen by the Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet. Beshear said the fund will work like most popular fundraising platforms where people can “click a couple buttons and give instantly.” He said donations are tax-deductible.
State officials created a COVID-19 reporting hotline for people to report situations and groups or organizations they believe are dangerous. Beshear 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. 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. He said the hotline received roughly 2,000 last night.
Beshear said the state is taking “security measures” around hospitals to ensure safety. He said people will see additional law enforcement and National Guard around hospitals.
Beshear 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.
The state is going to be conducting a survey of outpatient surgical centers for their supplies and staff. Beshear said it's something the state is doing so it can “marshal every single resource at a time of need.”
The state is closing non-essential retail businesses to in-person traffic. 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.
Sydni Anderson contributed to this post.
