Governor reports 147 new coronavirus cases, seven additional deaths; total cases now at 1,149 in Ky.
By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today
Tuesday’s cornonavirus report from Gov. Andy Beshear saw 147 new cases, making it now 1,149 since the pandemic began, along with seven more deaths to bring that total to 65.
While the 147 new cases are the highest single-day amount, Beshear said it could well be because labs were catching up on their results. “Remember, the last couple days we were talking about the fact that they were artificially low, and that it was in part due to some labs not reporting over the weekend.”
Including the lower numbers reported Saturday and Sunday, Beshear pointed out the three-day average was 80, which was lower than the average of the three days prior.
“While this is a large number, we still don’t see the numbers going the same way in Kentucky as in so many other places,” Beshear said.
Of the seven deaths, four were from Jefferson County, two from Lyon County and the other from Adair County. Beshear asked all Kentuckians to honor their memory. “Let’s make sure we light our homes, our places of business and our other institutions up green tonight.”
Beshear said there were three areas he was especially concerned about:
• Western State Hospital, the acute care psychiatric facility in Christian County, which has seen 13 cases, nine patients and four staff.
“I know the staff at all of these facilities are scared,” Beshear said. “And we are going to do everything we can to work with them and to protect them. I want them to know how appreciative we are that they are willing to help those that truly need the help, knowing what we are facing.”
Beshear said he remains concerned about difficulties in obtaining personal protective equipment, or PPE, for healthcare workers and others on the front lines during the pandemic.
“When it comes to PPE, it’s the Wild West right now,” he said. “You have folks who in the past, outside a pandemic, have been able to get supplies and think they can get them. Then the shipment doesn’t come in, either because they were unable to get it like they thought they would, or it’s diverted to other areas.”
He noted one of reasons for the difficulty, “Honestly, we’re doing a better job in ‘flattening the curve.’ A whole lot of it is being sent to the hot spots around the country, and you can understand that decision. But my job is to fight for as much of it as we can get here.”
Beshear added, “Many days I feel like Charlie Brown trying to kick the football, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t days when we keep the football and get the amount of PPE in that we so desperately need, for our frontline workers.”
For the latest information on the coronavirus pandemic in Kentucky, guidance from state and federal health officials, and restrictions Gov. Beshear has in place, go to the website, kycovid19.ky.gov.
Those without internet access or who may need more information and guidance can call the hotline at 800-722-5725.
