Governor Beshear says it’s still too soon to determine if coronavirus case levels last week were the escalation of a surge or tied to Christmas and New Year’s holiday gatherings.
While 2085 new cases reported Monday is lower than many days over the past week, Beshear said the 12.3% positivity rate is concerning. “Now is when it is at its most serious and where we will lose the most people if we are not incredibly careful. And we still, if we do the right things, can stop this,” said Beshear.
During the COVID-19 briefing, the governor said there’s been no discussion yet about further restrictions. Beshear added he believes his administration has struck the right balance when it comes to the economy, mental, and emotional health during the crisis.
Governor Beshear said he’s not sure if more dialogue with GOP legislative leaders over the past several months would have meant fewer bills aimed at modifying executive branch authority. Republican controlled houses of the legislature are moving quickly in acting on several such measures. The governor said more one on one time with lawmakers may not have changed the scenario much. “I think if we look back honestly on that period. A lot of that was us showing up ready to provide information and then some fairly hostile attitudes or questions coming. So, I’m not sure that it would have necessarily changed things,” noted Beshear.
Beshear said he did hold meetings with legislators to seek their input before he delivered his budget address. And the governor noted plans are to continue to meet with them now that the budget process is underway.?
If you appreciate access to this important content during this global pandemic, please help us continue to provide public service journalism and information to Central and Eastern Kentucky communities. Please make your contribution to WEKU today.
