Over 250 newly confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) have been diagnosed in Kentucky over the last 24 hours.
Gov. Andy Beshear made the announcement at his briefing on Friday that 252 new cases of the virus have been identified in the state, increasing Kentucky’s total to 7,444 COVID-19 victims.
He also reported four new deaths Friday, raising the total to 332 (4.3 percent) Kentuckians lost to the virus. The new deaths include two men from Fayette County, ages 66 and 69, an 80-year-old woman from Jefferson County and a 74-year-old man from Campbell County.
As of Friday, 1,896 (25.5 percent) COVID-19 victims have been hospitalized, with 381 people currently in a hospital. The number of patients ever treated in ICU is 797 (10.7 percent), with 218 people currently being treated in intensive care.
At least 2,739 (36.8 percent) Kentuckians have recovered from the virus and 127,689 COVID-19 tests have been administered in the state.
Most state parks reopening on June 1, campgrounds on June 11
Beshear said that as part of the Healthy at Work initiative the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet will reopen tourism in an effort to generate revenue to boost the state’s economy.
“The tourism industry has suffered significant loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Beshear said. “As the state focuses on rebuilding the economy, reopening tourism plays a significant role in generating revenue, opening business doors and helping more Kentuckians get back to work.”
Tourism is an $11 billion industry in Kentucky and provides employment to nearly 95,000 Kentuckians, according to Beshear. The spread of COVID-19 has resulted in a loss of nearly $64 million in tourism tax revenue.
“The reopening of tourism will allow us to generate much needed revenue for local businesses and communities experiencing economic loss as a result of COVID-19 restrictions,” said Tourism Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Mike Berry. “Our phased approach to reopening will ensure we can protect the health and safety of Kentuckians while gradually rebuilding segments of the tourism industry.”
The Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet will open Kentucky State resort parks, recreational parks, lodges and cabins to the public for normal business hours beginning June 1. Park guests will be required to follow social distancing and public health guidelines.
The Kentucky Horse Park, Otter Creek and state park campgrounds will open on June 11 to self-contained campers and RVs in accordance with the Healthy at Work camping guidelines, the governor said.
Natural Bridge and Cumberland Falls State Resort Parks will also reopen on June 1. Fishing tournaments may resume on June 1 with new guidelines.
Guests can begin making reservations beginning Tuesday, May 19. Reservations can be made online at parks.ky.gov.
As part of the state’s ongoing effort to prevent the spread of the COVID-19, the following Kentucky State Parks were designated to provide temporary housing for low acuity patients. The following parks will not reopen at this time (Barren River Lake State Resort Park is closed due to renovations):
- Lake Cumberland State Resort Park
- Lake Barkley State Resort Park
- Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park
- Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park
Officials said announcements regarding the reopening of additional tourism attractions and venues operated by the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet will be forthcoming.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
