No new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases were reported in Kentucky on Wednesday, but various restrictions have either been urged or mandated by Gov. Andy Beshear.
Beshear said Wednesday that he is suspending visitor access to all state prisons, and he strongly encouraged Kentuckians to avoid large crowds while recommending the state’s churches cancel this week’s services.
“I don’t believe that whether you go to church or not doing this time is a test of faith,” Beshear said in a daily briefing on Wednesday. “I believe that God gives us wisdom to protect each other. And we should do that.”
To that end, April Spalding, Executive Director of the Grayson County Chamber of Commerce, announced Wednesday that the monthly chamber luncheon, scheduled for Thursday afternoon, has been cancelled on the recommendation of the Grayson County Health Department. In an email to members Spalding added that, “Gov. Beshear has asked that large gatherings be cancelled, and we are following along with (that) recommendation.”
Spalding said the March luncheon will be rescheduled.
As previously reported by K105, Grayson County’s two nursing homes, Grayson Nursing and Rehabilitation and Spring View Nursing & Rehab are not allowing any visitors into the facilities. BeeHive Homes of Leitchfield and Parkland Manor Apartments, the county’s two assisted living facilities, are asking anyone who feels sick to please not visit.
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the University of Kentucky will transition to online instruction for two weeks after its spring break next week. The University of Louisville, which is currently on spring break, said it would extend spring break through March 17, then transition to online classes between March 18 and April 5.
Western Kentucky University announced it would extend spring break through March 22, before transitioning to online courses for the following two weeks. Eastern Kentucky University extended its spring break through March 20, and will then switch to online-only classes between March 23 and April 3.
Berea College cancelled classes for the remainder of the semester “out of an abundance of caution.”
Currently, there are eight confirmed cases of the new virus in Kentucky. Five of the cases are in Harrison County, two in Fayette County and one in Jefferson County. The victims are between 27- and 69-years-old.
All eight patients are showing signs of improvement, media reports indicate, with one of the Harrison County patients expected to be released from a hospital soon.
The state has opened a hotline to help Kentuckians who have questions about COVID-19, or need help. The number is 1-800-722-5725.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
