In his now daily evening press conference, Governor Andy Beshear informed the public that the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth of Kentucky is now at 35. Of those cases, one is that of an eight-month-old child who the Governor said is doing well, and is being treated at home. The Governor also announced continued steps to help those who may be in need. The department of community based services will be extending certification periods for recipients of all public assistance programs, such as food stamps or Medicaid, for three months. The Governor also announced the suspension of all commercial gaming licenses, saying that bingo halls presented a danger to those who are the most at risk, and announced that banks would more than likely begin imposing restrictions on lobby access and hours of operation.
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College have announced that they will be moving to online classes beginning today through March 27th. All lab classes at the college have been postponed until the threat of COVID-19 has passed, and will resume near the end of the term. The majority of personnel will work remotely during this time, however the college is open with limited staff and limited access to certain areas. Student services will be offered virtually or in a limited fashion on campus and all travel has been halted for staff members, including visits to other KCTCS colleges and the Versailles office. Before March 27th, ECTC leadership and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System president will determine if it is safe to return to regular instruction with staff on campus, or to continue online coursework and telework for staff.
Kentucky State Police Post Four assisted the Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office and Shepherdsville Police Department after a hit and run incident led to a high speed chase. Dispatch advised the pursuit was southbound on US 31W heading toward Radcliff with speeds close to 100 miles per hour. Troopers and deputies with the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office attempted to deploy spike sticks, but were unsuccessful. As the subject approached Veterans Drive, he attempted to cross the median and struck two Shepherdsville Police cruisers, ending the pursuit. The driver, Dakota Elliot (27) of Keyser Mineral, West Virginia, and a Shepherdsville Police Officer were taken to Hardin Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and later released. Elliot’s passenger was also treated at a separate medical facility for non-life-threatening injuries. Both had out of state warrants, and the Shepherdsville Police Department will be handling charges.
No changes have been made to the Hardin County Jail visitations due to COVID-19. Jailer Josh Lindblom says that since interaction takes place over the phone or through glass, there was no need for a change. Lindblom also says that work release inmates will continue to work, and that there has been increased frequency in cleaning the facility.
The Elizabethtown Police Department responded to an automobile collision with a building on Tuesday night. A red pickup truck failed to stop at the intersection at College Street, and continued until it hit Brown Funeral Home. The driver and lone occupant, Brian Young of Elizabethtown, was transported to Hardin Memorial Hospital where he remains in critical but stable condition. The cause of the collision is still under investigation.
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the Commonwealth, a regional healthcare provider has taken steps to help limit the illness’s reach. Hardin Memorial Health announced yesterday the establishment of a hotline for patients experiencing flu or respiratory-like symptoms. Patients experiencing symptoms can call 270-979-7777. The hotline will operate Monday through Friday 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
Ford Automotive Plant have announced that they will be temporarily suspending operations effective this Friday. The plant announced that they would shut down after Thursday’s shifts, and thoroughly clean and sanitize facilities in preparation for employees returning to work on March 30th. Toyota, Fiat Chrysler, and GM are also halting production, according to statements from the manufacturers.
Despite initial worry on social media yesterday, Fort Knox has announced that there is no confirmed case of COVID-19 on post at this time. Medical officials on post are attending to the patient in question to make sure the strain is not present. Officials at the Ireland Army Health Clinic are screening individuals for COVID-19 as they enter the clinic.
