In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now 1,963 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of these cases, 134 were newly confirmed. Also of these cases, 607 have recovered from the virus. However, there were three new deaths reported last night, bringing the state’s total to 97. The Governor announced a partnership last night that will greatly expand the testing capability in Kentucky. Kroger is partnering with state government in an effort to test up to 20,000 people statewide over the next five weeks. This would almost double the amount of tests done so far. Kroger is providing the medical personnel, personal protective equipment, and sign-up portal for those to register. This is a drive-thru testing site, the first of which will open in Franklin County. The Governor says he hopes to announce three more sites in the next two weeks. These tests are for those with symptoms, health care workers, first responders, those aged 65 and older, and those with chronic health conditions. Test results will be expected within approximately 48 hours with the new site. Kentuckians who are eligible can register online at thelittleclinic.com/drivethru-testing.
While Easter Sunday was different for many this year, it was business as usual for one church in Bullitt County. Maryville Baptist in Hillview continued to hold gatherings Sunday, weeks after Governor Beshear called for all mass gatherings across the state to cease. On Sunday, Kentucky State Police troopers were in the parking lot of the church collecting license plate numbers, which will be used to find those who attended and have them self-quarantine for 14 days. Last week, the Kentucky Cabinet of Health and Family Services sent an enforcement notice to the church, calling on them to cease gatherings immediately.
Relief is on the way for some Americans in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it might be arriving as soon as this week. In an interview last Friday, 2nd District Representative Brett Guthrie says the much-talked about stimulus checks, $1200 per adult, might be deposited into bank accounts this week. There are a few exceptions to those who will receive the checks, including high-earners and college students, among others. The $2.2 trillion CARES Act also includes the Payroll Protection Program, which is designed to help businesses cover their payroll.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is alerting Hardin County residents of a closure due to railroad construction. According to the department, railroad work will require closure of the KY 224, or Grayson Street, crossing in Upton today. This is expected to only be a one-day closure. The majority of planned railroad work in Hardin County took place last week.
