At his daily coronavirus (COVID-19) briefing, Gov. Andy Beshear announced 176 cases of the virus have been diagnosed in Kentucky.
The commonwealth now has 6,288 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Four new deaths were also reported: A 90-year-old woman from Edmonson County, 90-year-old woman from Hopkins County, 69-year-old man from Jefferson County, and a 75-year-old man from Bullitt County. These four deaths raise Kentucky’s death toll to 298 victims (4.7 percent fatality rate).
“This number is a lot lower than yesterday, which is good, but these are four individuals we’ve lost and these are four families that need our support, so let’s make sure we light our houses up green and ring our bells at 10 a.m.,” Beshear said. “These are families that are counting on us.”
At least 2,266 (36 percent) Kentuckians have recovered from the virus.
Requirements for reopening segments of Kentucky’s economy
The governor outlined the requirements to begin reopening major segments of the economy and society, including houses of worship, manufacturing, construction, government offices and agencies, and retail and funeral services.
Before reopening can begin, though, Beshear will determine whether Kentucky has met certain public health benchmarks for reopening the economy. These benchmarks are based on the White House’s Guidelines for Reopening America. No reopening will occur until the governor determines Kentucky has met these benchmarks.
- 14 days of decreasing cases
- Increased testing capacity on contact tracing
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) availability
- Ability to protect at-risk populations
- Ability to social distance and follow the CDC’s guidelines on large gatherings
- Preparedness for possible future spike
- Status of vaccine and treatment
On May 11, 2020, Kentucky will begin Phase 1 of Healthy at Work. The first step of Phase 1 will include reopening some additional non-life-sustaining entities in the following economic sectors: manufacturing, distribution, supply-chain, construction, vehicle and vessel dealerships, office-based businesses (50 percent or less in office), photography, and horse-racing (no fans).
Each entity reopening must meet certain minimum requirements in addition to industry specific guidance. Entities deemed life-sustaining, which have remained operating, are expected to meet the minimum requirements no later than May 11.
If any entity in a sector being reopened cannot comply with the minimum requirements or industry-specific requirements, they must wait to reopen until they are able to do so or until some or all the restrictions are lifted.
Beshear also announced that government offices and agencies can reopen on May 18 and funeral homes can reopen on May 20.
Faith leaders voice support
On Friday, the Kentucky Baptist Convention and the Kentucky Council of Churches voiced their support for the governor’s guidelines to reopen places of worship on May 20.
“I believe that the healthiest economy coming out of COVID-19 is going to be the one that can keep the virus contained while they successfully reopen,” Beshear said. “Remember, listen to your faith leader. If they tell you that they’re not ready and that they don’t think that it’s safe, then you should wait.”
“I am thankful for the hard work of Gov. Beshear and his team of advisers, as well as their outreach to faith leaders, in working through the details of this plan,” said Dr. Todd Gray, Executive Director of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. “While Kentucky Baptists are eager to return to in-person worship they only want to do so in a safe and healthy manner. I believe they will find this plan reasonable, doable, and in the best interests of the health of their congregations.”
“We all want our families and our neighbors’ family to be and stay healthy,” added Rev. Kent Gilbert, President of the Kentucky Council of Churches and pastor of Union Church in Berea. “Churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, and other religious settings are here to support life and well-being. As supporters of #TeamKentucky, the Kentucky Council of Churches and its member bodies encourage everyone to follow these ‘Healthy at Worship’ guidelines so we can preserve the health of all. No one wants to rush back to worship just to cause more funerals. Worship is meant to be life-giving. These guidelines will help keep it that way in this time of pandemic illness.”
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
