In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now 3,481 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of those cases, 161 were newly confirmed. It is believed that 1,335 people have recovered from the virus, however six new deaths were reported on Thursday, bringing the state’s total to 191. Doctor Steven Stack outlined in some greater detail exactly which healthcare practitioners will be able to resume care this coming Monday. These facilities include hospital outpatient setting, health care clinics and medical offices, physical therapy settings, chiropractic offices and optometrists, and dental offices. It was noted that health care providers should still work to provide telehealth as much as possible. Certain practitioners must still take special care as they reopen. Those in high-touch clinical settings such as physical therapy or chiropractic must wear non-latex gloves in addition to enhanced hand hygiene practices, and sanitize objects and contact surfaces between patients. In the case of those in high-aerosol risk settings such as dentistry and oral surgery, the state is seeking additional input in order to assure the safety of both patients and staff. All facilities are asked to eliminate traditional waiting rooms, ensure social distancing, eliminate visitation except in end-of-life situations, screen all workers, patients, and others for temperature and symptoms upon arrival, and wear all required PPE while in the office.
United States Attorney Russell Coleman announced yesterday that Matthew Lyons, 33, of Elizabethtown was charged with several charges related to sexual conduct with a minor. Law enforcement officials became aware of Lyons’ criminal conduct after receiving a complaint regarding a minor posting on social media about engaging in sexual activity with an adult in exchange for money. Police in Radcliff interviewed two minors, seized and searched their mobile devices, and identified Lyons as the adult in question. Lyons had a prior conviction for attempted use of an electronic communication system to procure a minor for sex. Detectives obtained a warrant to seize and search Lyons’ mobile device, which revealed more than 1500 images and video files of the sexual acts, and communications with several underage boys. If convicted at trial, and due to his prior conviction, Lyons faces at least 60 years in prison.
A medical center in Bardstown is now in possession of much needed personal protection equipment. The Bardstown Family Medical Center, part of the HMH Medical Group, received a donation of masks and gloves for the clinic from Louisiana-Pacific. Clinic Physician Holly McCoy expressed the needs of her coworkers to her father-in-law, who is on the board for Louisiana-Pacific. The clinic received 320 N95 masks, as well as 3000 gloves. Donations of PPE can be made at giveppe.ky.gov.
The unemployment numbers for the month of March in Kentucky are in, and COVID-19 has certainly made an impact. According to the Kentucky Center for Statistics, the Lincoln Trail District, which encompasses Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, and Washington counties, saw a non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 5.8% for the month of March, up from 4.4% in February. Breckinridge County has the highest rate with 7.8%. The U.S. compatible rate is at 4.5%.
The City of Elizabethtown announced that they would be delivering stimulus checks today to a variety of businesses that applied and qualified for the COVID-19 Small Business Economic Stimulus Fund. The city will be awarding over 170 businesses checks, provided they met the criteria for the program. The city will be granting up to $3,000 per small business to aid in recovery efforts.
