Governor Beshear reported Tuesday 674 new cases of coronavirus across Kentucky. It was the second highest one day total behind the 979 reported on Sunday. There were three additional deaths.
The governor called this week, quote, “such a critical period.” He said statewide policies are needed, adding now is not the time to impose restrictions strategically. “When we are seeing vacation clusters in about 20 separate counties. When we’re seeing backyard type social gathering clusters in a quarter or a third of our counties. Those major guidelines we put into place need to be statewide,” said Beshear.
This week Beshear asked anyone traveling to a hot spot location out of state to quarantine for 14 days upon returning to Kentucky. A state order returns to a limit of ten people for social gatherings. And the governor has mandated mask use in most public places.
State Public Health Commissioner Steven Stack said the unknowns about COVID-19 only serve as a reminder to take all preventive steps seriously. “When we take the steps we take to try to protect Kentuckians from this illness, it’s because there’s much we don’t know. What we do know is terrifying for people who are most vulnerable to it. But we don’t really know the true extent of our vulnerability and who will ultimately be impacted and who may have chronic long term consequences. I don’t consider that fear mongering. I consider it informing,” explained Stack.
While noting the seriousness of increasing cases, Governor Beshear said he sees a lot of commitment to do better as it relates to wearing masks and social distancing.?
If you appreciate access to this important content during this global health emergency, please help us continue to provide public service journalism and information to Central and Eastern Kentucky communities. Please make your contribution to WEKU today.
