In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now 198 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. This marked 35 new positive cases, which was less than the previous day’s total. However, with this announcement came sad news, as the fifth death related to COVID-19 was confirmed. The victim, a 75-year-old male from Jefferson County, had underlying health issues. In terms of new steps being taken, Governor Beshear ordered a halt to all residential evictions, expanded unemployment eligibility to the self-employed, independent contractors, and freelance workers, and gave a status update on a potential new way of testing for the virus. Beginning next week, the first drive-thru test facility will be established in the Commonwealth. Hopefully starting on Monday, a single location for a specific group who are showing symptoms will be opened. The Governor says that this is a test concept that, if successful, could lead to several more such facilities opening next week, which would allow for far more testing than before.
Cases of COVID-19 continue to grow in the surrounding area, with Grayson County becoming the latest area with a confirmed case. In a statement released yesterday, the Grayson County Health Center confirmed the presence of a positive case of the virus in the community. Officials with the Health Center remind community members to remain calm and to practice social distancing, as well as to stay home if sick. The age and gender of the individual has not yet been released.
Friends of Hardin County Animal Shelter have announced that they are offering assistance to those who may need help feeding their pets during the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are being accepted at fohcas.org. There must be a real financial need for the assistance, and vouchers for the food will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis based on need. The shelter is currently closed to the public, and is undergoing deep cleaning.
The City of Elizabethtown have announced that several attractions at Freeman Lake and other parks will be closed starting today as a response to guidance from the Lincoln Trail Health Department and CDC guidelines. Playgrounds, pavilions, dog parks, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, and par 3 golf courses are closed. However, the parks and trails will remain open, and are still able to be enjoyed as long as social distancing guidelines are met.
