Governor Beshear says state government can play a role in addressing a coronavirus outbreak in a federal prison in Lexington. 229 inmates at the Federal Medical Center have been diagnosed with COVID-19 with at least six staff members testing positive.
During his briefing Thursday, Governor Beshear said he wants to see all staff members tested. “I will admit that I’ve been very strong and pressed very hard on the corrections officers. Those are our folks and I want to make sure we protect them and I’ve pushed and I’ve pushed to get every single corrections officer tested. Something that I know should be in our authority and that’s going to happen,” said Beshear.
The governor also announced the schedule to allow proper gatherings of ten and less has been moved up to May 22nd at which time the state’s travel ban will also expire. Beshear reported 199 new cases of coronavirus and two deaths.
Governor Beshear reiterated last night his satisfaction with how coronavirus testing opportunities have expanded across the Commonwealth. In response to a question about follow up testing after an initial negative result, the governor said yes that is recommended about two weeks later. And Beshear said COVID-19 testing may become a kind of scheduled medical test. “And depending on how long this is going, people getting periodic tests is a smart thing. Just because I’m negative today doesn’t mean I can’t contract it from someone tomorrow. It’s not meant to be scary, it’s just to get us on a schedule and for us to be vigilant,” explained Beshear.
Beshear said developing guidelines for Kentucky day care centers is proving difficult. But, he said those measures should be out for child care providers to review two to three weeks before the June 15th startup date.
Beshear said care will need to be taken to respond to children facing anxiety when their parents return to work. He noted suggestions for dealing with those emotions will be posted on the COVID-19 state web site.?
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