At Monday’s coronavirus (COVID-19) briefing, Gov. Andy Beshear offered said the state’s struggle to gather the necessary amount of personal protective equipment (PPE) was bolstered by one of Kentucky’s largest companies.
Beshear said UPS has donated 16,000 N95 masks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the mask “reduces the wearer’s exposure to particles including small particle aerosols and large droplets (and) filters out at least 95 percent of airborne particles including large and small particles.”
“I want to thank UPS for stepping up with this donation of critically needed N95 masks for Kentucky’s health care professionals,” Beshear said. “This donation of essential personal protective equipment will directly save the lives of Kentuckians and help slow the spread of the coronavirus.”
Beshear also urged anyone who is able to donate PPE at https://giveppe.ky.gov or by calling 833-GIVE-PPE (448-3773).
Unemployment Insurance
Beshear urged everyone affected by unprecedented job losses to apply for unemployment benefits.
“Make sure you apply for benefits,” the governor said. “While there is some frustration out there because we have seen more applications than ever in our history, yesterday, on Easter, the state processed 100,692 payments for $50.45 million. So these dollars are going out to help you.”
Field hospital update
The governor thanked the Kentucky National Guard for its continued efforts to set up a field hospital at the Kentucky State Fairgrounds, site of the Kentucky Expo Center.
“The National Guard is doing a great job. We now have more than 250 beds on site,” he said.
The plan is to have as many as 2,000 beds, but Beshear said the work was ahead of schedule and would provide flexibility for treatment.
Read about other key updates, actions and information from Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.gov, kycovid19.ky.gov and the governor’s official social media accounts Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
The CDC encourages people to follow these steps to prevent illness. Kentuckians who want advice can call the state hotline at 800-722-5725 or call their local health care provider.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
