Governor Beshear’s nightly coronavirus briefing took on a different tone Wednesday evening. A group of people outside the capitol loudly chanted in protest of the governor’s order directing many Kentucky businesses to remain closed.
Beshear said any lessening of restrictions now would, quote, “kill people.” As he closed his briefing, the governor said he would remain steadfast in his approach.
“We are in it together. There will always be people who object, but we are more united than ever before. I’m proud to be your governor. I’m going to continue to do the right things and I know you are too,” said Beshear.
During much of his briefing chanting and occasionally the blowing of a horn could easily be heard. Protesters yelled, ‘we are essential’ and ‘we want to work.’ The governor reported 88 new COVID 19 cases, but said that number is not reflective of the actual count due to a new reporting system. Beshear said it’s likely it’s at least 50 cases higher. The governor also announced seven new coronavirus related deaths.
Governor Beshear said he continues to work with governors in Ohio and Indiana on a strategy to scale back coronavirus related restrictions, when that time comes. Beshear noted a move in that direction must be done thoughtfully. “We do it thoughtfully to make sure that we don’t see a re-emergence of the virus and regionally it is so critical because if you live in northern Kentucky and Cincinnati is right across the river, we got to make sure that we are working together to make sure than one area isn’t on top of the virus and the other brings it in or vice versa,” explained Beshear.
The governor stressed the time for any relaxing of restrictions is not now. Beshear said coronavirus activity continues to escalate.
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