For more information regarding COVID-19, recommendations, and social distancing, please visit:

Kentucky Specific Information

World Health Organization

For more information on testing, click here.

To donate PPE, go to giveppe.ky.gov or call 833-GIVE-PPE.

Governor Beshear is encouraging all Kentuckians to flood social media with positivity and good examples of social distancing by using the hashtags #TeamKentucky, #TogetherKY, #HealthyAtHome, and #Patriot.

Friday, May 29, 2020

• Beshear’s 5 p.m. presser:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 rules for being healthy at work. Fill out the census! 
  • Request an absentee ballot here.
  • Gov. Beshear addressed the protests in Louisville last night. He says that, at the start, the protest was one of the safest he’d seen in terms of complying with CDC guidelines. He then read a statement from Breonna Taylor’s mother, which demanded justice and accountability to be achieved in a safe and non-violent way. “Let’s make sure that we are protecting our fellow human-beings out there and that we are doing things safely, both for the virus and for each other,” says Beshear.
  • Numbers for today:
    • 283 new cases in the state, 62 in Jefferson
      • Beshear says that — looking at the seven-day average — the state is still generally in a decline. Typically case numbers go up on a Wednesday and Thursday.
    • 9,464 total cases with 161 probable cases; 3,231 people have recovered
    • 227,944 total tests
    • 2,266 total people have been hospitalized, currently, 449; 940 have been in the ICU, currently 81
    • 9 new deaths today, 418 total
  • Gov. Beshear looks like he got a haircut.
  • “Without expanded Medicaid, I don’t know where we’d be.” Beshear discusses Kentucky’s Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), which is how Kentucky’s Medicaid services are provided. The government awarded five healthcare companies with a contract: Humana, Aetna, Molina Healthcare, UnitedHealthcare, and Wellcare. Notably, Passport Health was not chosen as a provider.
  • Driver’s licenses can now be renewed remotely through July 31, 2020.

Thursday, May 28, 2020

• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • KY is 13th in the nation in the 2020 census. Fill it out here.
  • Fill out your absentee ballot application online.
  • Video teaching children about the importance of wearing masks
  • Healthy At Work and Home, Dr. David Lohr: control, communicate, consistency, connect, cope
  • Kentucky Kingdom opening week of June 29
  • Also week of June 29: guidelines for limited capacity for opening pools
  • “Just looking at the numbers it is more Americans [that have died] than we lost in the Korean War and Vietnam War combined.” 
    • Over 400 deaths in KY, over 100,000 deaths nationally 
  • Prayer by Reverend Akins, referencing the coronavirus and the recent deaths of black Americans
    • “If we ignore the cure for the racial pandemic … all efforts will be in vain.”
  • KY cases are on a downward trajectory within a 14-day period
    • “Kentuckians came together … we stopped that pandemic curve.”
  • “The numbers are heading in the right direction.”
    • 113 new cases, 15 in Jefferson County 
    • 9,184 total cases 
    • 221,118 tests have been distributed 
    • 2,180 total people have been hospitalized, currently 494; 937 total people have been in the ICU, 88 people are currently in the ICU; 3,181 people have recovered
    • “We still experience loss”
      • 9 new deaths
  • KY State Parks to reopen June 1
    • Lodging, cabins, golfing, camping open
    • Playgrounds and pools closed
  • 362 total inmates have tested positive, 51 total staff have tested positive at Green River Correctional Complex
  • The Unemployment Insurance group is being moved to the Labor Cabinet
    • there was a data breach on April 23
  • More than $5 million in grants is going to counties in Kentucky for internal improvements 
  • Beshear clarified that his order regarding evictions does not expire June 1
  • Hopes people will be flexible regarding KHSAA sports and when they are played

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

• Beshear’s 5 p.m. presser:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 rules for being healthy at work. Fill out the census (we are thirteenth!).
  • Social media highlights: drive-thru testing, individuals wearing masks, side-walk art, honoring the state’s losses
  • Register for your absentee ballot here.
  • “Our numbers today continue to suggest that we are in a decline…”
    • 127 new cases in the state, 35 in Jefferson County
    • 9,077 total cases
    • 200,762 tests have been given out
    • 2,142 total people have been hospitalized, currently 512; 899 total people have been in the ICU, 82 are currently in the ICU
    • 6 new deaths, 400 total deaths
  • Dr. Stack, the state’s public health commissioner, emphasized how important wearing a mask in public is. He’s also preaching a message of tolerance.
  • Beshear restored the Executive Branch Ethics Commission in order to increase transparency from the executive branch. If you’d like to learn more about Bevin’s previous position on this commission, click here.
  • Lieutenant Governor Jacquelin Coleman announced a Team Kentucky fund that will provide assistance to those struggles. 

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

• Dr. Steven Stack, Kentucky’s public health commisioner and the guy who’s been speaking at the 5 p.m. conferences, held a meeting with Kentucky’s superintendents this afternoon. He discussed the unlikelihood of there being a vaccine produced for the fall and various challenges that schools will face with social distancing. 
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. presser:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 rules for being healthy at work. Fill out the census.
  • Social media highlights: healthcare workers, volunteer work, Memorial Day highlights, 
  • “Love, not hate.” Beshear addresses the protests that took place outside his home this weekend, calling out division and intolerance that the event promoted. “After everything that’s happened this weekend, do we still think it’s too much to wear a mask? To protect our fellow human beings?”
  • Secretary Eric Friedlander discussed the plans in place to “aggressively” test long-term care facilities in the state. Praises the virus taskforce and its ability to stabilize long-term care facilities in the state. 
  • “This is not a game, this is serious.” Dr. Stack plays a clip from social media, showcasing a bar where people were not following social distancing from the weekend. 
  • 387 new cases over the past three days, 146 in Jefferson
    • Sunday, May 24: 141
    • Monday, May 25: 122
    • Tuesday, May 26: 117
  • Hospitalized numbers are likely inaccurate as many hospitals were not reporting this holiday week
    • Number hospitalized: 2136 total, 489 current
    • ICU: 897 total, 78 current
  • 8951 total positive cases, 151 cases are probable
  • 193,576 total tests in Kentucky
    • 146 new cases in Jefferson
  • 3 new deaths
    • 3,115 Kentuckians have recovered
  • People should be getting tested. Register at krogerhealth.com/covidtesting. “This is about protecting your community.”

Friday, May 22, 2020 

• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 rules for being healthy at work. Fill out the census.
  • Social media highlights: masks, graduations, memorials being lit up
  • Restaurants opened today and groups of 10 or less are now permitted to socialize.
  • Underlying messages from both the governor and Dr. Stack: be responsible and be careful this weekend. “The danger is there,” says Dr. Stack.
  • Deaths are down. Beshear reiterated the fact that we are outside a plateau again. 
  • 141 new cases, 8,426 total in the state with 121 probable. 3,069 people have recovered. 90 people are currently in the ICU.
  • An online portal for absentee ballot has opened. Absentee ballot voting is encouraged, but the state is allowing some in-person voting to occur. The deadline to register to vote is May 26. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is June 15.
  • Automatic unemployment benefits have ended. Those who are unemployed now have to request their benefits.
  • Guidelines for things such as youth sports have been released. 
  • Governor’s Scholar Program has been reduced to one week this summer, but in-person programming will occur.

Thursday, May 21, 2020 (All updates from Katie Cummins from now on)

• U of L announced today that it is going to “cautiously” begin to reopen in preparation for the fall, allowing a few employees to return to work beginning on June 1
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 rules for being healthy at work. Fill out the census.
  • Social media highlights: masks, graduations, light up the state with green
  • Hands, face, and space — three big things to remember on Memorial Day 
  • “We may be more than just plateaued — we may be in a true reduction in what we are seeing about the spread.”
  • 135 new cases; “One of the smallest numbers in a while.” 8,286 total cases total in the state, including 111 probable. 3,008 people have recovered — “a 36% rate of those who’ve had the virus.”
  • 166,240 total tests
  • 475 hospitalized; 92 in the ICU
  • They’ve changed the way they are getting numbers, getting feedback directly from the hospitals
  • Kentucky has 10 new deaths 
  • New dates:
    • June 1: Auctions
    • June 8: A portion of childcare will open (ten children or less), horse shows
    • June 29: Groups of fifty or less and the openings of bars
  • All new dates are dependent on how good the state is at “Healthy at Work”
  • P-EBT Food Benefits are increasing

Wednesday, May 20:

• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 rules for being healthy at work. Fill out the census.
  • Social media highlights: graduations, businesses following guidelines, homemade masks, green lights.
  • Retail reopened today.
  • With restaurants reopening Friday, Memorial Day, and gatherings of 10 people allowed on Friday, Beshear reiterated the importance of hand washing, not touching people who aren’t in your family, and gathering outside.
  • Kentucky has 166 new cases today. Total is 8,167, including 108 probable cases. There have been at least 158,672 tests so far.
  • 474 people are hospitalized. 98 are in the ICU.
  • 2,919 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky has 10 new deaths today.
  • Long term care facilities have six new resident cases, six new staff cases, no new deaths, and three new facilities are reporting cases.
  • Starting tomorrow, Kentucky will begin distributing $300 million for reimbursement to cities and counties based on an application.
  • Next week, Kroger testing sites will be in Fayette County, Henderson County, and Warren County. The Louisville site will move to Louisville Southern High School.

Tuesday, May 19:

• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 rules for being healthy at work. Fill out the census.
  • Social media highlights: testing, active families, green lights.
  • Kentucky has 164 new cases today. Total is 8,069, including 90 probable cases. There have been at least 153,800 tests so far.
  • 443 people are hospitalized. 269 are in the ICU.
  • 2,826 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky has 20 deaths today, the highest daily number to date.
  • Long term care facilities have 12 new resident cases, 32 new staff cases, seven new deaths, and four additional facilities are reporting cases.
  • In order to safely have gatherings of 10 people, Dr. Stack reiterated that gatherings should try to be held outside, people should still social distance, people should wear masks when closer than six feet, people shouldn’t share food, people should wash hands often, and people should not touch their face.
  • Beshear said that on June 8, museums, outdoor attractions, aquariums, libraries, and distilleries can reopen.
  • Starting Friday, the testing partnership with Walmart will expand to Ashland, Bowling Green, Leitchfield, London, Pikeville, Paducah, and Richmond.

Monday, May 18:

• Texas will allow its schools to hold in-person classes this summer beginning June 1 if they follow guidelines.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • Kentucky has a big week for reopening. Wednesday for retail and Friday for restaurants.
  • 10 rules for being healthy at work. Fill out the census.
  • There were 122 new cases and three deaths on Sunday. 
  • Kentucky has 138 new cases today, Total is 7,935, including 52 probable cases. There have been at least 145,238 tests so far.
  • 447 people are hospitalized. 277 are in the ICU.
  • 2,785 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky has nine new deaths today.
  • Since Saturday, long term care facilities have 22 new resident cases, 19 new staff cases, two new deaths, and two new facilities are reporting cases. There are now over 1,000 cases within long term care facilities.
  • Beshear said two new children are dealing with the inflammatory syndrome, meaning there are four children total with the syndrome.
  • Social media highlights: recovered Kentuckians, masks, virtual services, graduations.
  • Regarding the contact tracing program, Beshear encouraged all Kentuckians to answer any calls from public health officials. Mark Carter, former CEO of Passport and CFO of Jewish Hospital, will run the contact tracing program.
  • To understand more of how contact tracing, watch this short video.
  • Dr. Stack said Kentucky will hire around 700 people to help facilitate contact tracing.

Friday, May 15:

• According to the White House site for reaching reopening criteria, North Dakota is the only state cleared to reopen. Kentucky is yellow and still in the “making progress” zone.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 rules for being healthy at work. 10 steps to be healthy at home. Fill out the census.
  • Social media highlights: healthy at work, recovery, green lights, graduations.
  • Happy Friday! There won’t be a press conference on Friday or Saturday.
  • As part of healthy at work, Kentucky will reopen tourism in an effort to boost the state’s economy through in-state travel. State parks will reopen on June 1. However, Lake Cumberland, Lake Barkley, Blue Licks Battlefield, and Buckhorn Lake will not reopen to care for sick people who don’t need to be in the hospital. Campgrounds will reopen June 11. 
  • Today, Kentucky posted guidance for reopening for massage therapy and nail salons.
  • Aquatic centers can reopen June 1. This does not include public pools, just those connected to training centers and olympic training centers and used for exercise and lap swim. Must adhere to social distancing.
  • Kentucky has 252 new cases today. The number is slightly higher due to cases in a federal prison in Lexington. Total is 7,444, including 36 probable cases. There have been at least 127,689 tests so far.  
  • 381 people are hospitalized. 218 are in the ICU.
  • 2,739 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky has four new deaths today.
  • Long term care facilities have 28 new resident cases, 11 new staff cases, two new deaths, and one new facility is reporting cases.

Thursday, May 14:

• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 rules for being healthy at work. 10 steps to be healthy at home. Fill out the census.
  • Social media highlights: masks, cleaning up neighborhoods, green lights.
  • Beshear announced that the new date for gatherings of 10 or less is May 22, instead of May 25. People should aim to gather outside, should stay six feet away from people not in their household, shouldn’t share food or utensils, should wash hands frequently, should avoid touching their face, and should wear a mask if they’ll be closer than six feet to someone outside of their household.
  • Beshear said the travel ban will be lifted May 22.
  • Kentucky has been awarded $43.7 million in CARES funding. $30 million will go to Kindergarten through twelfth grade. The rest will be administered by the Kentucky Council for Postsecondary Education.
  • Kentucky has 199 new cases today. Total is 7,225, including 32 probable cases. There have been at least 121,246 tests so far.
  • 385 people are hospitalized. 220 are in the ICU.
  • 2,712 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky has two new deaths today.
  • Long term care facilities have 20 new resident cases, six new staff cases, and two new deaths.
  • The locations for Kroger testing starting next Tuesday are Graves County, Madison County, Ohio County. The site will continue in Jefferson County.

Wednesday, May 13:

• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • Today starts phase three for healthcare reopening.
  • 10 steps to be healthy at home. 10 rules for being healthy at work. Fill out the census.
  • Kentucky has 227 new cases today. Total is 7,080, including 31 probable cases. There have been at least 117,395 tests so far.
  • 377 people are hospitalized. 215 are in the ICU.
  • 2,649 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky has five new deaths today, bringing the total to 326.
  • Beshear announced that more than a dozen kids, ages one to 12, have tested positive in Warren County.
  • Long term care facilities have 20 new resident cases, three new staff cases, and four additional deaths. Three new facilities have cases.
  • There is now a hotline for concerns regarding the new pediatric inflammatory syndrome. Kentucky Pediatric COVID-19 Helpline: 1-800-722-5725.
  • The new testing sites for the Kroger health sites next week are Richmond, Mayfield, Louisville, and Ohio County.

Tuesday, May 12:

• Regarding schools reopening in August, Dr. Anthony Fauci emphasized the importance of a vaccine. “Even at the top speed we’re going, we don’t see a vaccine playing in the ability of individuals to get back to school, this term,” Fauci said.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. 
  • Social media highlights: graduations, essential workers, green lights, recovered Kentuckians.
  • Beshear said there is a second minor that is suffering from the new pediatric COVID-19 related syndrome. It’s being called “Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome Potentially Associated with COVID-19.” The syndrome is similar to Kawasaki syndrome. 
  • According to Dr. Stack, new research shows that warmer weather may not help with decreasing the effects and spread of the disease.
  • Kentucky has 191 new cases today. Total is 6,853, including 25 probable cases. There have been at least 110,609 tests so far.
  • 379 people are hospitalized. 215 are in the ICU.
  • 2,546 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky has 10 new deaths today, bringing the total to 321.
  • Long term care facilities have 12 new resident cases, six new staff cases, and four new deaths.
  • Walmart is opening another testing site in Bardstown.

Monday, May 11:

• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. 
  • Social media highlights: masks, graduations, chalk art, mothers’ day celebrations, healthcare heroes, green lights.
  • Beshear said there is 10-year-old Kentuckian now on a ventilator due to COVID-19.
  • Dr. Stack spoke about a new syndrome being recognized in young people: young people can have an overactive immune system that can lead to serious illness. The only way to prevent this is to follow the steps and be healthy at home and/or work.
  • On Sunday, there were 141 new cases. There were three new deaths yesterday.
  • Kentucky has 105 new cases today. Total is 6,677, including 23 probable cases. There have been at least 104,001 tests so far.
  • 383 people are in the hospital. 220 are in the ICU.
  • 2,335 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky has four new deaths today.
  • Over the past three days, long term care facilities have had 27 new resident cases, nine new staff cases, and five new deaths.
  • After testing all of Green River Correctional Complex, 350 inmates are positive and 50 staff are positive. Four are in the ICU. Over the weekend, the facility worked to transition people to different buildings based on condition, risk, and exposure.

Saturday, May 9:

• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. 
  • Social media highlights: healthcare heroes, safely visiting family, green lights.
  • “Even as restrictions get lifted, there has never been a time more important than now for you to do all the social distancing, use universal masking, and follow the guidelines… This is not the time to take this for granted,” Dr. Stack said.
  • Kentucky has 158 new cases today. Total is 6,440, including 23 probable cases. There have been at least 86,900 tests so far.
  • 394 people are hospitalized. 226 are in the ICU.
  • 2,308 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky has six new deaths today, bringing the total to 304.
  • Based on a court ruling, new guidance will allow in-person worship services to resume today. “If you’ve read through all the guidance and don’t meet it, please don’t go back,” Beshear said.

Friday, May 8:

• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. 
  • Social media highlights: honoring high school seniors, drive through testing, homemade masks, green lights.
  • Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman spoke and thanked both nurses and teachers as Nurses’ Appreciation Week and Teacher Appreciation Week come to a close. She also gave a “message of gratitude” to women across Kentucky, especially mothers, as Mothers’ Day is Sunday.
  • Kentucky has 176 new cases today. Total is 6,288, including 19 probable cases. There have been at least 86,428 tests so far.
  • 369 people are hospitalized. 210 are in the ICU.
  • 2,266 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky has four new deaths today, bringing the total to 298.
  • Long term care facilities have three new staff cases and three new deaths.
  • Eric Friedlander announced that Kentucky can now effectively distribute PPE to long term care facilities in need, as well as a plan to test all the facilities in the coming months.
  • Beshear said they’re working to release final guidance for businesses that can reopen Monday.
  • There will be no press conference from Beshear on Sunday.

Thursday, May 7:

• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. Stay healthy at home (or healthy at work.)
  • Social media highlights: school lunches, birthdays, drive through testing, graduations, green lights.
  • Kentucky has 208 new cases today. Total is 6,129, including 10 probable cases. There have been at least 81,391 tests so far.
  • 356 people are hospitalized. 199 are in the ICU.
  • 2,177 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Beshear said many of the new cases are younger people, especially people in their 20s and 30s.
  • Kentucky has 11 new deaths today.
  • Long term care facilities have 21 new resident cases, six new staff cases, and seven new deaths. “We’re actually seeing less growth day to day.”
  • Phase two of reopening: May 22 will allow for restaurants to operate at 33% capacity with unlimited outdoor seating.
  • June 1 is the target date for movie theaters and fitness centers to reopen.
  • June 11 is the target date for campgrounds to reopen.
  • June 15 is the target date for a childcare plan at reduced capacity and youth sports that are outdoors and low touch.
  • “Any peak that we see, any cause of major concern, we are all gonna have to be willing to pause,” Beshear said when explaining that reopening dates are not definite, they are goal dates.
  • Phase three, which will happen in July, will hopefully include bars reopening and allow for groups of 50 people.
  • Beshear announced a new testing partnership with First Care Clinics. They are aimed at testing those in the business community, faith community, and government community as they return to operating.
  • There are now 72 testing locations throughout the state.

Wednesday, May 6:

• JCPS announced plans to have virtual graduation ceremonies for the class of 2020. Read more here.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. Stay healthy at home (or healthy at work.)
  • Social media highlights: National Nurses’ Day, NTI, teacher appreciation, green lights.
  • Kentucky has 159 new cases today. Total is 5,934, with three of them being probable. There have been at least 78,603 tests so far.
  • 351 people are hospitalized. 190 are in the ICU.
  • 2,125 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky has eight deaths today.
  • Long term care facilities have 14 new resident cases and 16 new staff cases.
  • Green River Correctional Complex has 339 inmate cases and 50 staff cases after testing the whole facility.
  • The new Kroger health drive through sites for next week are in Corbin and Elizabethtown. The sites will remain in Louisville and Lexington next week.
  • For more information on drive through testing, click here.
  • Healthcare reopening phase two started today. 
  • Beshear said that everyone registered to vote will be able to vote through an absentee ballot for the June 23 primary election. The deadline to register is May 26. The National Guard will help facilitate the election in June.

Tuesday, May 5:

• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. Stay healthy at home (or healthy at work.)
  • Social media highlights: recovered Kentuckians, healthcare heroes, teacher appreciation, green lights.
  • Kentucky has 625 new cases today — the highest number yet. However, 309 are from Green River Correctional Complex, where they tested the entire facility. That means there are 316 outside of Green River. The total number of cases is 5,822.
  • There have been at least 61,013 total tests so far.
  • 347 people are hospitalized. 189 are in the ICU.
  • 2,058 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky has 14 COVID-19 related deaths today, bringing the total to 275.
  • Long term care facilities have 16 new resident cases, 10 new staff cases, and 13 new deaths.
  • Dr. Stack explained that when you do “focus testing,” the positive numbers are expected to be higher, like they are at Green River.
  • Secretary Michael Brown said that with total testing at Green River, they’ll be better able to help the situation as they begin to understand the entirety of it. Once all the results are back, inmates will be divided into three groups in order to help contain the spread of the virus.
  • There are now 18 drive through testing sites throughout the state. The new site is at Pikeville Medical Center and will go Tuesday through Friday of this week. 
  • Beshear went over phase one of reopening again. He hopes he can announce phase two this week; phase two will be in June.

Monday, May 4: 

• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. Stay healthy at home (or healthy at work.)
  • Social media highlights: birthdays, Backside Learning Center, healthcare heroes, green lights.
  • This week, there will be 17 different drive through testing sites throughout Kentucky. For the Kroger sites, Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green are fully booked through Friday.
  • Beshear announced a new testing partnership with St. Elizabeth Healthcare for northern Kentucky. It will start May 11.
  • Kentucky is working to expand its abilities regarding contact tracing, which is when people track the individuals that infected people have come in contact with. In the future, if you come into contact with someone who is infected, you will be expected to self quarantine.
  • Phase two for healthcare reopening will begin this Wednesday, May 6. Phase two will allow outpatient and invasive surgeries to resume if patients are tested prior, as well as other criteria.
  • Beshear announced a partnership with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the Kentucky Distillers’ Association that will help provide PPE and hand sanitizer to small businesses. Once again, the first phase of healthy at work begins on Monday, May 11.
  • Beshear said phase two for reopening, which will include restaurants, will begin in June. There will be more details in the next week to week and a half.
  • Kentucky has 163 new cases today. Total is 5,245. There have been at least 60,046 tests so far.
  • 333 people are hospitalized. 174 are in the ICU
  • 1,921 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky has eight new deaths today, bringing the total to 261.
  • Long term care facilities have 17 new resident cases, one new staff case, and one new death.

Sunday, May 3:

• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. Stay healthy at home (or healthy at work.)
  • Social media highlights: virtual worship services, Derby parties with social distancing, chalk art, healthcare heroes, recovered Kentuckians, green lights.
  • Yesterday, Kentucky had 173 new cases and there were five deaths.
  • Today, Kentucky has 80 new cases — remember it’s Sunday, though. 
  • The total number of cases is 5,130. There have been at least 58,408 tests so far.
  • 329 people are in the hospital. 170 are in the ICU.
  • 1,892 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Due to reporting times and the official count, there have been no official deaths today.
  • Long term care facilities, for both yesterday and today, have 43 new resident cases, nine new staff cases, and four new deaths.
  • There are still spots available for the next week of Kroger health drive through testing. Click here. Beshear said there have been a number of no-shows for testing.
  • Eric Friedlander spoke about how long term care facilities are receiving more funds to adequately care for people.

Friday, May 1: Happy Oaks!

• After lifting its stay at home order, Georgia reported 1,000 new COVID-19 cases in a day.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. Stay healthy at home (or healthy at work.)
  • Social media highlights: at home Derby celebrations, homemade masks, green lights at Churchill Downs.
  • Today was the last day of the first week of drive through testing in Louisville and Lexington. 
  • There are still spots available at Kroger health testing sites for next week.
  • Beshear said phase two for reopening should be able to begin in June.
  • 10 rules for being healthy at work.
  • “Our numbers continue to hold steady,” Beshear said.
  • Kentucky has 177 new cases today. Total is 4,879. There have been at least 57,648 total tests so far.
  • 334 people are hospitalized. 178 are in the ICU.
  • 1,752 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky has eight deaths today.
  • Green River Correctional Complex completed its facility wide testing today.
  • Long term care facilities have 25 new resident cases, four new staff cases, and six new deaths.

Thursday, April 30:

• As coronavirus restrictions begin to somewhat loosen, the Louisville Metro Police Department will begin to respond to more types of calls, including disorderly persons, loud parties, and neighborhood complaints.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. Stay healthy at home (or healthy at work.)
  • Beshear announced that there won’t be a briefing on Saturday. Saturday would’ve been Derby, and it’ll be the first day that he won’t hold a briefing since the crisis began.
  • Social media highlights: wedding anniversary, virtual religious services, healthcare heroes, green lights.
  • Beshear said there are still significant spots left for the Kroger health drive through testing sites next week. Sign up for testing at krogerhealth.com/covidtesting.
  • Dr. Stack spoke about public pools not being able to open, and said  there’s just no realistic way for them to operate safely. “Certainly not in May and June, public pools are not gonna be possible,” Dr. Stack said.
  • When speaking about reopening and healthy at work, Beshear said that submitted plans for reopening have to be detailed and follow the 10 rules for healthy at work. “Things are gonna look different,” Beshear said.
  • 10 rules for being healthy at work.
  • Beshear talked about why childcare can’t be included in phase one and possibly not phase 2. He showed a graphic illustrating how quickly the virus can spread through increased contacts with work and daycares.
  • Along with the impact on humans and Kentucky industries, Beshear discussed the immense strain on the state budget. Kentucky’s working to get more federal assistance.
  • Kentucky has 174 new cases. “Compared to other days, today is better,” Beshear said. Total is 4,708. There have been at least 56,511 total tests.
  • 330 people are currently hospitalized. 178 are in the ICU.
  • 1,675 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky has five new deaths today.
  • Green River Correctional Complex will complete total facility testing tomorrow.
  • Long term care facilities have 24 new resident cases, five new staff cases, and two new deaths.

Wednesday, April 29:

• Louisville hospitals are hoping to use plasma from recovered people to help those currently ill.
• According to a new study from the University of Kentucky, Beshear’s healthy at home orders have helped save more than 2,000 people
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference: today Beshear is at the Emergency Management Operation Center.
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. Stay healthy at home (or healthy at work.)
  • Social media highlights: first responders in LaRue County, NTI, healthcare heroes.
  • So far, Louisville has tested over 264 people and Lexington has tested over 242 at the Kroger sites.
  • There will be a new Kroger testing site in Ashland next week. Once again, for more information on testing throughout Kentucky, click here.
  • Here are the 10 rules for being healthy at work and gradual reopening.
  • New information for healthy at work and reopening; all industries will have to abide by the 10 rules:
    • Phase one will begin May 11. It will allow manufacturing, construction, vehicle or vessel dealerships, 50% of professional services, horse racing with no fans, and dog grooming/boarding to resume work. Industries that can still operate with telework should continue to do so.
    • May 20 will allow for retail services and houses of worship to continue at a reduced capacity.
    • May 25 will allow for 10 person or less social gatherings and for barbers, salons, and similar services to resume.
    • Gyms, theaters, campgrounds, and youth sports (later in the summer) will be in phase two. Public pools are not in phase one or phase two. “It’s gonna be really hard to have summer camps in phase two,” Beshear said.
  • Kentucky has 184 new cases today. Total is 4,539. Total number of tests is 54,101.
  • 329 are currently hospitalized. 176 are in the ICU.
  • 1,668 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky has 10 deaths today.

Tuesday, April 28:

• Attorney General Daniel Cameron is hoping to join the lawsuit challenging Beshear’s travel ban. He held a press conference regarding First Amendment protections during the crisis today.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. Stay healthy at home (or healthy at work.)
  • Beshear apologized for saying that someone had filed a fraudulent unemployment claim under the name of Tupac Shakur yesterday. Turns out, there’s a Kentuckian named Tupac Shakur and it wasn’t fraud.
  • Beshear introduced 10 steps to being healthy at work: continued telework where possible, phased returns to work, onsite temperature and health checks, wearing masks, closed common areas, enforced social distancing, limited face-to-face meetings, sanitizer and hand wash stations, special accommodations for those most at risk, and having a testing plan.
  • Kentucky now has 13 drive through testing locations. As of 4 p.m. Lexington had tested 282 people. Louisville had tested 274 as of 4 p.m. For more information about drive through testing and how to sign up, click here.
  • Beshear again said that it’s strongly recommended that everyone wear cloth masks in public and at work, especially when more things begin to open back up. Masks should cover your nose and mouth and should be washed daily. You can easily make your own out of a bandana, scarf, shirt, or other cloth item.
  • Kentucky has 230 new cases today. It’s likely higher due to labs’ reporting times. Total is 4,375. There have been at least 52,411 total tests.
  • 320 people are currently hospitalized. 170 are in the ICU.
  • 1,617 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky has 12 deaths today, bringing the total to 224.
  • Long term care facilities have 65 new resident cases, 10 new staff cases, and three new deaths.

Monday, April 27:

• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. Stay healthy at home (or healthy at work.)
  • Social media highlights: healthcare heroes, homemade masks, green lights.
  • Dr. Stack went over the criteria for reopening healthcare services, which began today. Some include increased sanitization, no normal waiting rooms, adequate PPE. View details here.
  • Phase two for healthcare reopening will begin Wednesday, May 6. Phase will allow outpatient and invasive surgeries to resume if patients are tested prior, as well as other criteria. Phase three will begin Wednesday, May 13. Hospitals will be able to go back to 50% of its original operations. Phase four will begin on Wednesday, May 27 and will let hospitals go back to how they operated before COVID-19. You can see details here.
  • “Do not be complacent,” Dr. Stack said after going over the phases for healthcare reopening.
  • Beshear said on May 11, Kentucky will begin to gradually reopen more industries. Everyone back at work and in public will have to social distance and wear a mask.
  • Today was the first day of Kroger health drive through testing in Louisville and Lexington. Louisville tested 256 people and Lexington tested 286.
  • The Kroger sites are fully booked this week. You can start signing up for next week on Wednesday evening.
  • For more details on testing availability, click here.
  • Before giving the number update, Beshear said “This is mostly good news.”
  • Kentucky has 87 new cases today — one of the lower numbers in several weeks. “I think we have certainly plateaued, and I hope very soon that we will be headed into our decline,” Beshear said.
  • They’re adding a new data point: probable cases. There is one probable case plus the 87.
  • Total is 4,146. Total number tested is 48,799.
  • 313 are currently hospitalized. 165 are in the ICU.
  • 1,521 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky has five new deaths today, bringing the total to 213. There is one probable death.
  • Green River Correctional Complex has three new inmate cases and seven new staff cases.
  • Long term care facilities have nine new resident cases, four new staff cases, and three deaths.
  • More than 40% of COVID-19 deaths have been people in long term care facilities.

Sunday, April 26:

• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. Stay healthy at home.
  • Social media highlights: virtual church services, healthcare heroes, drawings, thank you messages, recovered Kentuckians.
  • Beshear reminded everyone of the numerous testing options available this week. There are 11 locations. Click here to learn more about your options.
  • Tomorrow is the first day that restrictions will be loosened around certain healthcare services.
  • “Just because you can reopen doesn’t mean you should,” Dr. Stack said when addressing the healthcare offices that are included in tomorrow’s guidelines. If a place can’t meet precautions and reopening standards, they should not reopen.
  • Kentucky has 202 new cases. Total is 4,074. Beshear confirmed at least 48,474 tests so far.
  • 308 are currently hospitalized. 166 are in the ICU.
  • 1,511 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky has three new deaths today, bringing the total to 208.
  • For the first time in a few days, Green River Correctional Complex has no new cases today.
  • Long term care facilities have eight new resident cases, seven new staff cases, and one new death.

Saturday, April 25:

• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference: (Protesters outside today)
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. Stay healthy at home.
  • Social media highlights: birthdays at home, healthcare heroes, green lights., ringing bells at 10 a.m.
  • Benchmarks for reopening again: a continued decrease in the rate of cases (14 straight days), increased testing and contact tracing, PPE status and availability, ability to care for those most at risk, ability for Kentuckians to comply with CDC and social distancing guidelines, preparedness for Kentucky to handle a future spike, and the status of vaccines and treatments.
  • “I know we’re anxious, but let’s admit the virus sets the timing,” Beshear said.
  • The Bowling Green drive through testing site will now be open on Friday, May 1 as well.
  • Normal healthcare services at dental offices will not resume on Monday as of right now because there is no plan in place
  • Before the update, Beshear said we can call today a good day and we’re still relatively plateaued.
  • Kentucky has 171 new cases today. Total is 3.905. Beshear confirmed 46,558 tests so far.
  • 301 are currently hospitalized. 164 are in the ICU. Same as yesterday.
  • 1,501 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky has five new deaths today, bringing the total to 205.
  • Green River Correctional Complex has one new inmate case.
  • Long term care facilities have 24 new resident cases, five new staff cases, and four new deaths.
  • See yesterday’s post for more information about testing.

Friday, April 24:

• Beshear signed an order that will allow mail-in voting for the primary in June.
• The U.S. death toll from COVID-19 passed 50,000 today.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. Stay healthy at home.
  • Social media highlights: healthcare heroes, 3D printing PPE, NTI, recovered Kentuckians.
  • Testing update: Pike County tested 535 people yesterday — they stayed until 10 p.m. to achieve this new daily record for a drive through site. There will be 11 drive through testing locations across Kentucky next week. To sign up, visit krogerhealth.com/covidtesting. Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green are already fully booked for the first week. Louisville and Lexington will go for two weeks, sign ups are not open for that week.
  • Beshear announced another testing partnership with Walmart. It will take place at 2020 Bashford Manor starting Wednesday, April 29. It’s for healthcare workers, first responders, and anyone over 18 with symptoms. Visit doineedacovid19test.com to sign up.
  • There are more locations in Lexington, Hopkinsville, Hazard, and Mount Vernon. Visit kycovid19.ky.gov for more information.
  • Beshear announced that after an agreement with the Secretary of State, mail-in voting will be an option for all registered Kentucky voters for the June 23 primary.
  • Beshear approved the release of 352 inmates at Kentucky county jails to help lessen the spread of COVID-19.
  • CARESAct (federal relief dollars) funding is starting to flow into Kentucky.
  • Kentucky has 322 new cases today. Total is 3,779. Beshear confirmed 44,962 total tests so far.
  • 303 are currently hospitalized. 164 are in the ICU.
  • 1,341 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky has nine new deaths today, bringing the total to 200.
  • Green River Correctional Complex has eight new inmate cases, two new staff cases, and one new death. Mary Noble, the Secretary of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, elaborated on some new sanitation practices and precautions for Green River. Beshear ordered that every person in Green River be tested.
  • Long term care facilities have 48 new resident cases, 17 new staff cases, and five new deaths.
  • “While we had our largest number of cases today, I still believe we are generally plateaued. With that said, we are not on the decrease,” Beshear said.

Thursday, April 23:

• Louisville is projecting a $46 million decline in revenue for this fiscal year, which ends on June 30 due to economic collapse surrounding COVID-19.
• Kentucky Senator and Senate Majority Leader has said that states should seek bankruptcy protections rather than get a federal bailout for COVID-19 relief.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • Beshear said this week we are celebrating Medical Laboratory Professionals Week.
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. Stay healthy at home.
  • Social media highlights: green lights at WKU, healthcare heroes, chalk art.
  • Testing update: Madisonville tested 300 people today, total is 747. Paducah tested 221 today, total is 521. Somerset tested 212 today, total is 671. Pikeville tested 276 today with a big line, total is 683.
  • Reminder that drive through sites are coming to Louisville and Lexington for two weeks starting next week.
  • Dr. Stack said on Monday, April 27, non-urgent healthcare services, diagnostic radiology, and lab services at healthcare clinics, medical offices, physical therapy offices, chiropractic offices, optometrists, and dental offices will resume. Social distancing guidelines will still apply and there will be no traditional waiting rooms.
  • Kentucky has 161 new cases today. Total is 3,481. Beshear confirmed 42,844 total tests so far.
  • 302 people are currently hospitalized. 163 are in the ICU
  • 1,335 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky had six new deaths today, bringing the total to 191.
  • Green River Correctional Complex has one new inmate case.
  • Long term care facilities have 32 new resident cases, 27 new staff cases, and nine new deaths.
  • Beshear highlighted Patsy Stith, a Kentuckian from Fort Thomas who passed from COVID-19.

Wednesday, April 22:

• Bullitt County Public Schools is planning to host an in-person graduation ceremony on Oct. 3.
• JCPS’ last day is officially May 27.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. Stay healthy at home.
  • Social media highlights: green lights, social distancing with grandparents, the Supreme Court of Kentucky meeting remotely, honoring high school seniors, healthcare heroes.
  • Beshear said Kentucky is very close to putting out guidelines for the gradual reopening of hospital and healthcare services, after working to ensure healthcare capacity and PPE.
  • Beshear said phase one of reopening healthcare services will begin on Monday, including a restart to diagnostic and radiology services.
  • Drive-through testing update: As of 4 p.m. there have been 571 today in the four locations.
  • Louisville and Lexington will have drive-through testing locations Monday through Friday of next week and the following week The sites will be close to predominately African-American communities and neighborhoods. The goal is to test 3,000 people over the two weeks at both locations. The testing will now be open to the general public. Sign up here.
  • The Louisville site will be in Shawnee Park and the Lexington site will be in Bluegrass Community and Technical College. Each individual that gets tested at these sites will receive a mask and hand sanitizer.
  • On Tuesday of next week, drive through sites will open in Owensboro and Bowling Green that will be open through Thursday.
  • Beshear announced a new partnership with Walgreens. There will be a drive through site with Walgreens starting this Friday in Lexington seven days a week.
  • Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer spoke about the new testing in Louisville, also emphasizing the inequity and disparity plaguing African-American communities when it comes to COVID-19.
  •  Kentucky has 196 new cases. Total is 3,373. Due to the increase in testing, Beshear said we are still likely plateaued. Beshear confirmed 36,075 total tests.
  • 301 are currently hospitalized. 161 are in the ICU.
  • 1,311 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky had 14 deaths today.
  • Beshear highlighted Stanley Lee Buckler, a Lexington resident who died from COVID-19.

Tuesday, April 21:

• JCPS’ last day will likely be May 27. The date is pending school board approval.
• With Beshear’s recommendation to close schools for the rest of the year, KHSAA has cancelled all spring sports for 2020.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. Stay healthy at home.
  • Social media highlights: a 100th birthday, healthcare heroes, holding dances at home, green lights.
  • Beshear moved right into the update.
  • Kentucky has 177 new cases today. Total is 3,192. Beshear said Kentucky has likely plateaued; we’re not increasing or decreasing in number of new cases. Beshear confirmed 33,328 total tests.
  • 286 Kentuckians are currently hospitalized. 165 are in the ICU.
  • 1,266 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky had 17 deaths today. “17 is a hard number to take,” Beshear said.
  • Beshear highlighted John Doug Woods, a Kentuckian lost to COVID-19. John Doug Woods was the husband of Frida Woods, the woman lost COVID-19 that Beshear spoke about on Sunday.
  • Beshear emphasized that we must be strategic and safe in reopening.
  • Benchmarks again: a continued decrease in cases (14 straight days), increased testing, PPE, ability to care for those most at risk, ability for Kentuckians to comply with CDC and social distancing guidelines, preparedness for Kentucky to handle a future spike, and the status of vaccines and treatments.
  • A new drive up testing site will be open in Hopkinsville; it’ll test 70 people a day.
  • Long term care facilities have 46 new resident cases, 12 new staff cases, and 13 new deaths.
  • Regarding one of the benchmarks, businesses can submit proposals outlining changes in their operations that adhere to guidelines at HealthyAtWork.Ky.gov.
  • Western State Hospital is the same as yesterday.
  • Green River Correctional Complex has one new inmate case.

Monday, April 20:

• Beshear spoke with superintendents today at 2 p.m. and recommended that schools stay closed for the rest of the year. Ohio also announced its schools will be closed to in person instruction for the rest of the year.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. Stay healthy at home.
  • Social media highlights: green lights in neighborhoods, healthy at home encouragement, healthcare heroes, meals for students.
  • Beshear spoke about his recommendation to not return to in person instruction in schools for the rest of the year, saying that goes along with guidance from the White House and healthcare professionals. NTI will continue.
  • “To seniors, it’s gonna be a little but harder. It doesn’t look like we’re going to be able to have in-person graduations or proms,” Beshear said. He said he understands the disappointment but thanks people for their willingness to help combat the pandemic and come up with other creative solutions for missed events.
  • Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman gave an unemployment update. She said they’ve processed twice as many claims since March 8 as they did in all of 2019. If you have applied, do not reapply and do not open another claim.
  • Kentucky has 102 new cases today. Beshear said that number is probably a little artificial based on the number of labs reporting. Total is 3,050. Beshear confirmed at least 32,830 total tests. 
  • 263 people are currently hospitalized. 147 are currently in the ICU.
  • 1,134 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky has six new deaths today, bringing the total to 154.
  • Beshear highlighted William Dean Smith, a Kentuckian from Grayson County lost to COVID-19.
  • Western State Hospital has one new staff case. Most of the staff there have been tested.
  • Green River Correctional Complex has five new inmate cases and two new staff cases.
  • Long term care facilities have 22 new resident cases, 12 new staff cases, and nine new deaths.

Sunday, April 19:

• Someone who disagrees with Beshear’s actions and orders posted in a Facebook group that “the Constitution protects us and gives us the authority to eliminate him by any means necessary via the Second Amendment.” The person who made the post said he was not threatening anyone, he just wanted to have a political debate. However, Republican and Democratic lawmakers have both called the post a threat to Beshear.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. Stay healthy at home.
  • Social media highlights: social distanced visits, green lights, virtual church services.
  • Once again, the new Kroger health testing sites will start on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. The new locations are Madisonville, Paducah, Somerset, and Pikeville. If you’re in the general geographic area and think you may qualify for a test, go to krogerhealth.com/covidtesting to sign up.
  • Kentucky has 273 new cases, the highest daily number so far. Total is 2,960. Beshear confirmed 32,319 tests.
  • 265 people are currently hospitalized. 149 are currently in the ICU.
  • 1,122 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Kentucky has four new deaths today, bringing the total to 148.
  • Beshear highlighted Frida Woods, a Kentuckian lost to COVD-19. He read a Facebook post from her granddaughter.
  • Long-term care facilities have 33 new resident cases, eight new staff cases, and four more deaths.
  • For testing capacity, Dr. Stack said that Kentucky may have to test 9,000 to 13,000 people per day in order to make the reopening plan work. As of right now, we’ve only tested around 32,000 people, meaning Kentucky would have to have the ability to do the same amount of testing we’ve done so far in about four days.

Saturday, April 18:

• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. Stay healthy at home.
  • Social media highlights: healthcare heroes, positive chalk messages, blood donations, homemade PPE, proper social distancing, green lights in a Meade County neighborhood, and a recovered patient.
  • Today was the last day for Kroger health drive through testing in Kenton County. They completed over 212 tests today, doing over 848 throughout the four days.
  • Kentucky benchmarks again for reopening: a continued decrease in cases, increased testing, PPE, ability to care for those most at risk, ability for Kentuckians to comply with CDC and social distancing guidelines, preparedness for Kentucky to handle a future spike, and the status of vaccines and treatments.
  • Kentucky has 206 new cases. Total is 2,707. 32,225 individuals have been tested.
  • 274 people are currently hospitalized. 155 are currently in ICUs.
  • 1,174 people have recovered.
  • Kentucky has had seven new deaths today, bringing the total to 144.
  • Green River Correctional Complex has five new inmate cases.
  • Western State Hospital is the same today.
  • Long term care facilities have 40 new resident cases, six new staff cases, and three new deaths.
  • Friedlander gave an update on the long-term care task force, saying that the team of experts is helping advise and provide resources to these facilities in Kentucky in order to best handle cases and support staff.

Friday, April 17:

• Last night, Trump released his three-phase plan for governors to reopen their state economies. Beshear is expected to elaborate on it tonight.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. Stay healthy at home.
  • Social media highlights: green lights, firefighters, socially distant birthdays, chalk art, enthusiasm for healthcare heroes.
  • The Kenton County Kroger health site tested 212 people today. 
  • Kentucky has 134 new cases. Beshear talked about how this is lower than expected. Total is 2,522. 30,596 people have been tested.
  • 360 people are currently hospitalized, down from yesterday. 227 are in ICUs.
  • The now 11-day-old baby who tested positive is now at home and doing well.
  • Kentucky has eight new deaths today. Total number of deaths is 137.
  • Beshear moved into speaking out the president’s plan announced yesterday.
  • “A lot of attention went to the phases,” Beshear said. “But even before the phases, there are certain thresholds states have to meet.” The first piece of criteria is a constant decrease in cases over 14 days. We still have not hit a downward trend.
  • The second piece of criteria is not having patients being treated outside of the existing healthcare community. For example, people can’t be isolated or being treated in state parks or field hospitals.
  • The third is “robust testing for healthcare workers.” A state needs to dramatically increase testing capacity for those taking care of the sick.
  • Another thing is significant testing and tracking of cases for the public — people will need to continue to isolate for 14 days if diagnosed.
  • States will need to have sufficient PPE, especially enough to handle a surge.
  • Lastly, states need to be flexible and fluid when responding to the future, especially if they see a spike in cases. “Once we stop some of these steps, there will be an increase in cases,” Dr. Stack said.
  • Just because the state may start to reopen back up in the future, that does not mean that people can stop taking preventative steps. “We’ll have to do it twice as much,” Beshear said. “There will be a new normal.” For example, employers who can survive on remote work, they should continue that. When people can go back to work, employers must take the temperatures of employees. Travel must also be at a minimum.
  • White House Plan, Phase One: Individuals should not gather in groups more than 10, people should return to work in phases, non-essential travel should be minimized, bars should remain closed, no visits to long term care facilities, schools should remain closed.
  • Beshear said he will discuss phase two and three at a later date.
  • Beshear announced some Kentucky specific benchmarks: a continued decrease in cases, diverse and adequate testing, PPE, ability to care for those most at risk, ability for Kentuckians to comply with CDC and social distancing guidelines, preparedness for Kentucky to handle a future spike, and the status of vaccines and treatments.
  • “Telehealth and telecommuting is going to be a new part of our lives in the way it was not before. Not everything is going to resume like it first did,” Dr. Stack said.
  • In regard to timing, Kentucky may see some loosening on providing healthcare before May. Other than that, expect things to stay relatively the same at least until May.

Thursday, April 16:

• Forecastle Festival will no longer take place in Louisville this summer.
• Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said that the state will gradually begin to reopen the economy starting May 1.
• Kentucky will join a Midwest regional partnership, including Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois, in a collaborative effort to gradually reopen parts of state economies amid the pandemic.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. Stay healthy at home.
  • Beshear put a quote from a protestor who was interviewed yesterday on the screen. It read “It sucks that people die, but there’s nothing I can do about it.”
  • Social media highlights: PPE donations to firefighters, green lights at courthouses, workers at the Kroger health site in Frankfort, and a video of a woman being discharged after recovering from COVID-19.
  • Beshear announced the expansion of partnerships with other states. See above.
  • The Frankfort Kroger health site has donated personnel and PPE, allowing for faster test turnaround. Today, Frankfort tested 202 people. Kenton County tested 227.
  • Beshear announced four new Kroger health testing sites that will operate Tuesday through Thursday. The goal is to do 1,000 tests over the three days. The four new sites are Madisonville, Paducah, Somerset, and Pikeville. For more details or to schedule an appointment, visit krogerhealth.com/covidtesting.
  • Beshear announced that Lake Cumberland and Lake Barkley will now have places for people to isolate who cannot safely isolate at a home.
  • Kentucky has 159 new cases. One of the new cases is a 10-day-old baby in Lincoln County. Total is 2,429. Beshear tomorrow is expected be one of the highest days Kentucky has seen.
  • Beshear confirmed 29,747 total tests so far.
  • 477 people are currently hospitalized. 333 people are currently in ICUs.
  • At least 956 have recovered.
  • Kentucky has had seven new deaths.
  • Western State Hospital has five new staff cases.
  • Green River Correctional Complex one new inmate case and one new staff case.
  • Long term care facilities have 27 new resident cases, 11 new staff cases, and one new death.

Wednesday, April 15:

• Lousiville has shut down 22 businesses for COVID-19 violations. Six have been allowed to reopen.
• An Amazon center in Lexington reported a new case today.
• Today was the last day for the Kentucky Legislature’s 2020 session. Many Republican legislators worked to override some of Beshear’s vetoes and criticized many of his COVID-19 policies and orders.
• Almost 100 protesters were outside the Capitol calling for an end to Beshear’s COVID-19 orders and for businesses to reopen.
• Last night, the JCPS Board of Education voted to alter the 2019-2020 calendar, making the last day of instruction June 3. Read about more details here.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. Stay healthy at home.
  • Social media highlights: proper social distancing, first responders, green lights in downtown Campbellsville, PPE donations, NTI.
  • Today, Beshear showed a video of Mark Stoops, UK football coach, emphasizing the importance of social distancing and encouraging donations to the Team Kentucky Fund.
  • Beshear began to speak to Eastern Kentucky. He said that along with battling COVID-19, there are still over 42,000 people living without power and water due to previous brutal storms. He wants to know that personnel and emergency management are working to fix the problem. “I appreciate you,” he said to those in Eastern Kentucky.
  • Beshear said that Kentucky will continue to work with Indiana and Ohio on steps to eventually reopen economies.
  • Beshear: To those who are critical of the steps Kentucky is taking and think everything should just be open, look at the data. We are seeing significantly less deaths than states who have not been as strict.
  • On the third day of Kroger testing in Frankfort, they’ve tested about 155 so far today.
  • On the first day in Kenton County, about 201 have been tested. There have been significant sign ups for the next few days in Kenton County.
  • Beshear announced a partnership with Louisville Metro Government, the Christina Brown Environmental Institute, and UofL. The partnership will allow UofL Hospital to  provide tests that may allow people to get back to work sooner. Three critical elements include comprehensive testing centered on antibodies (will help identify those with immunity), a lab that will identify people with lots of antibodies that can donate plasma to treat the sickest patients, and establishing a pool of high quality donor plasma to treat the sickest patients.
  • UofL President Neeli Bendapudi spoke a little more about the partnership.
  • The Fairgrounds currently has 250 beds and is currently functional for whenever it may need to be ses.. There is a possibility to expand it.
  • Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman spoke through Skype about the Team Kentucky Fund, announcing five bipartisan co-chairs.
  • At this point, you could hear protesters outside the room Beshear is in — it’s pretty unsettling.
  • Kentucky has 88 new confirmed cases. Total is 2,291.
  • 807 have been hospitalized. 412 are currently hospitalized. 252 people are currently in ICUs.
  • 862 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Beshear referenced the protesters outside the room, saying that if we reopen, people will absolutely die.
  • Kentucky has seven new deaths today.
  • Protesters were chanting “facts over fear” at one point. When addressing questions, he said that Kentucky is in fact following White House guidelines. 
  • Addressing the protesters again, Beshear said he hoped they were distanced. “If there isn’t social distancing, they’re spreading the coronavirus. And that’s really concerning. We can’t have any mass gatherings.”

Tuesday, April 14:

• JCPS superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio said schools are likely to close for the rest of the year.
• The Kentucky Education Commissioner told Kentucky superintendents to expect a call with Beshear at the “beginning of next week.”
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together. We will get through this in a way that will be the envy of everywhere else in the country.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. Stay healthy at home.
  • Social media highlights: first responders, green lights, good social distancing, homemade masks.
  • The Kentucky Colonels group donated $1 million to the Team Kentucky Fund.
  • Today, the Frankfort Kroger Health testing site has completed 178 tests today; it will be open for two more days.
  • The Kenton County site will open tomorrow, be open for four days, and will hopefully complete 1,000 tests.
  • Beshear said Kentucky has had better luck with purchasing PPE, but donations are still ideal right now.
  • Josh Benton said that they’ve been able to pay over $150 million to around 450,000 people for unemployment. They’re still playing catch up and working through claims nightly.
  • Kentucky has 177 new cases today. Total is 2,210.
  • Beshear confirmed 27,697 individuals have been tested.
  • At least 697 people have been hospitalized. 305 are currently hospitalized. At least 263 have been in ICUs. At least 137 are in ICUs currently.
  • Over 653 Kentuckians have recovered, including two from Western State Hospital.
  • Kentucky has had 11 deaths today, bringing the total to 115.
  • Kentucky had its first healthcare worker death, a 50-year-old female who worked as a med-tech at Summit Manor Nursing Home in Adair County.
  • Racial breakdown of 72.18% of cases: 81.03% white, 11.23% black or African-American, 2.96% Asian, 4.14% multiracial. For ethnicity (58% of cases): 93.68% non-Hispanic and 6.32% Hispanic.
  • Racial breakdown of 83.48% of deaths: 76.04% white. 22.92% black or African-American, 1% Asian. For ethnicity (80% of deaths): 98.2% non-Hispanic and 1.08% Hispanic.
  • Green River Correctional Complex has no new cases today.
  • Western State Hospital has 3 new staff cases.
  • Long term care facilities have 35 new resident cases, 10 new staff cases, three additional resident deaths, and the first staff death.
  • Beshear has not made a decision regarding extending school closures yet, again saying he is speaking to superintendents next week. He said schools should at least prepare to be closed for the rest of the year.

Monday, April 13:

• Testing with Kroger health began in Frankfort today.
• The pastor of Maryville Baptist Church, who held an in-person Easter service, that he will not self-quarantine despite receiving a notice that the health department would soon mandate his quarantine.
• Jaqueline Cruz, the mother of Karl-Anthony Towns, former Kentucky basketball player, passed away due to COVID-19 today.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census. Stay healthy at home.
  • Beshear said there have only been one or two confirmed mass gatherings over the past week.
  • Social media highlights: a 100th birthday, first responders, helping elderly family members with groceries, signs and chalk art, online classes.
  • Beshear said today was the first day of testing with the partnership with Kroger. 97 people were tested and because of how well it went, there will be another tier for qualifying to test. The next site will open on Wednesday in Kenton County.
  • The new tier includes people who don’t have high risk factors but do have active symptoms.
  • There are now 250 beds set up at the Fairgrounds. Beshear said this is ahead of schedule.
  • Almost 400 National Guard members are deployed across the state.
  • Kentucky has 87 new cases today. Total is 2,048.
  • Beshear confirmed 26,683 tests.
  • At least 673 have been hospitalized. 299 are currently hospitalized. 259 have been in ICUs. 136 are currently in ICUs.
  • At least 629 people have recovered.
  • Kentucky has seven deaths today, bringing the total to 104. Beshear said the flags will be at half mast tomorrow at the Capitol to honor the first 100 deaths.
  • Racial breakdown of 70.29% of confirmed cases: 81.8% white, 11.23% black or African-American, 2.41% Asian, 4.41% multiracial. For ethnicity (62.92% of cases), 94.33% non-Hispanic and 5.67% Hispanic.
  • Racial breakdown of 81.73% of deaths: 77.65% white, 21.18% black or African-American, 1.18% Asian. For ethnicity, (81.73% of  confirmed deaths) 98.82% non-Hispanic and 1.18% Hispanic.
  • Western State Hospital has no new cases today. There were 139 tests there today.
  • Green River Correctional Complex has one new inmate case.
  • Long term care facilities have 10 new resident cases, 14 new staff cases, and five new deaths.

Sunday, April 12:

• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • Beshear began by wishing people a happy Easter and happy Passover this weekend.
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census.
  • Social media highlights: virtual Easter celebrations, healthcare heroes, Easter eggs, chalk art, a recovered patient going home.
  • Update with drive-through testing: Beshear announced a new partnership with Kroger in an effort to test 20,000 people in the next five weeks. Kroger will provide medical staff, PPE. and a sign up portal for tests. The testing will have a 48 hour turn around, rather than 10. Criteria for testing include healthcare workers, first responders, people 65 years or old, or people who have a chronic health condition. Testing will start at one location in Frankfort tomorrow.
  • Here’s how the registration process works for Kroger testing: go to krogerhealth.com/covidtesting. The website will provide you with a virtual assessment to see if you qualify for a test and assist you with finding a location and time. You will receive a follow-up email to confirm, and it’ll give you some information on what to expect.
  • Kentucky has 134 new cases. Total is 1,963.
  • Kentucky has three new deaths today. 
  • Beshear confirmed 25,866 Kentuckians have been tested.
  • About 667 people have been hospitalized. 289 are currently hospitalized. 256 have been in ICUs. At least 136 are currently in ICUs.
  • 607 Kentuckians have recovered.
  • Racial breakdown of 70% of cases: 81.75% white, 11.64% black or African-American, 2.51% Asian, 3.99% multiracial.
  • Racial breakdown of 81.55% of deaths: 77.21% white, 21.51% black or African-American, 1.26% Asian, showing that a higher percentage of infected African-Americans are dying compared to the death rates of other races.
  • Western State Hospital remained the same with cases.
  • Green River Correctional Complex has one new inmate case.
  • Long term care facilities have 19 new resident cases, 11 new staff cases, and three new deaths that happened yesterday.
  • Beshear praised houses of worship that stopped holding in-person services and shamed churches who held services despite state orders.
  • Dr. Stack reemphasized that the virus will spread at any gathering. To explain why people have to social distance and stop gathering, he said, “Does our right to gather together entitle us to have other people die as a result?” Stack explained this is not about one type of gathering, it’s about all gatherings.

Saturday, April 11:

• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census.
  • Social media highlights: making Easter baskets, virtual Easter services, healthcare heroes, and chalk art.
  • Beshear showed a video of female clergy encouraging worship at home this weekend.
  • The Kentucky Fairgrounds is being prepared to serve as a field hospital.
  • Continue to donate PPE if you have it. Beshear said that’s the best way for Kentucky to obtain PPE. 
  • Kentucky has 185 new cases today. Total is 1,840.
  • Kentucky has four new deaths today, bringing the total to 94.
  • Racial breakdown of 70% of confirmed cases: 81.39% white, 12% black or African-American, 2.56% Asian, 3.94% multiracial.
  • Racial breakdown of 81% of deaths: 77.63 white, 21.05% black or African-American, 1.31% Asian. 
  • Green River Correctional Complex has one new inmate case and two new staff cases. 
  • Western State Hospital has two new patient cases and five new staff cases.
  • Long term care facilities have 12 new patient cases, six staff, and three new deaths.

Friday, April 10:

• Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said that the city does not want “any showdowns” relating to churches who hold drive-in or indoor services this weekend. Louisville authorities will respond to any possible church gatherings. Fischer said he’s asked Louisville Metro Police officers to record any vehicles license plate numbers at church services on Sunday. They will be shared with the health department which will follow up with people.
• Senator Mitch McConnell wrote a letter to Fischer asking him not to infringe upon drive-in services.
• TARC drivers fear for their safety with concerns about adequate precautions
• JCPS superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio said the district is “very pleased” with the district’s first week of NTI in his press conference this morning.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census.
  • No gatherings this weekend. Period.
  • Social media highlights: healthcare heroes, first responders, bourbon industry making hand sanitizer, NTI, chalk art.
  • Beshear showed another video, this time of Christian pastors, encouraging people to stay home this weekend.
  • Virginia Moore, the American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, and Beshear switched places while she taught Beshear his signature phrase “We will get through this together” in ASL.
  • Kentucky has 242 new cases today. Total is 1,693. 
  • Beshear confirmed 24,288 total tests.
  • 459 have been hospitalized. 271 are currently hospitalized. 177 have been in ICUs. 105 are currently in ICUs.
  • At least 464 have recovered. That’s 27% of Kentucky’s cases.
  • Kentucky has had 11 deaths today. Total number of deaths is 90.
  • “For 90 separate Kentuckians, let’s commit to do better,” Beshear said, choking up.
  • Racial breakdown of 69% of confirmed cases: 81.72% white, 11.7% black or African-American, 2.5% Asian, 3.86% multiracial.
  • Racial breakdown of 72% of deaths: 79.45% Caucasian, 19.1% black or African-American, 1.36% Asian.
  • Beshear said there are about seven churches in the state still considering holding services this weekend.
  • New action: Beshear said police will record license plate numbers of people who gather this weekend. That information will be handed over to health departments who will go to the homes of the individuals and mandate they self-quarantine in their home for 14 days. There will be notices on doors for this. Statewide, this does not apply to drive-up services. “We shouldn’t have to do this. What we’re asking you to do is not to harm other people,” Beshear said.
  • Green River Correctional Complex has three new inmate cases.
  • Western State Hospital has two new patient cases and one new staff case.
  • Long term care facilities have 37 new resident cases, 38 new staff, and two new deaths. 29 facilities have been impacted. 10 of those include facilities with one or two staff cases. There are three of major concern, one being Treyton Oak Towers in Louisville. Many facilities are working to set up wings devoted to those infected.
  • Eric Friedlander announced a long term care facility task force that will help advise the health department and Dr. Stack.

Thursday, April 9:

• Several churches across Kentucky have said they will hold Easter services despite Beshear’s orders not to.
• The Kentucky Board of Education said that they will leave adjusting high school graduation requirements up to local districts.
• UofL President Neeli Bendapudi announced that some employees will be furloughed and those making over $100,000 annually will receive pay cuts due to the impact of the crisis.
• Louisville Mayor Fischer announced that Jefferson County’s total number of cases is 495, with 17 new cases today. There have been five new deaths in Louisville today, for a total of 36.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census.
  • Beshear said he spoke to Vice President Pence yesterday, who said that data shows Kentucky is doing a good job of slowing the spread of COVID-19.
  • Beshear said Natural Bridge State Resort Park and Cumberland Falls State Resort Park are now closed.
  • Josh Benton gave an unemployment update, saying they’re able to receive more calls and claims everyday. They’re processing more claims as quickly as possible. Everyone who qualifies and has filed for unemployment insurance will get an additional $600 per week — this requires no additional application but will be a separate payment. These payments will begin tonight.
  • Beshear: It is essential that you worship from home. If you choose to gather, you will be partially responsible for the spread. Beshear showed a video of different faith leaders saying that everyone must stay healthy at home this weekend, no matter how much you wish you could be at your place of worship.
  • Kentucky has 134 new cases today. Total is 1,452. 
  • 426 have been hospitalized, 228 are currently in the hospital.
  • 395 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus.
  • Kentucky has six new deaths today.
  • Green River Correctional Complex has one new inmate and one new staff case.
  • Western State Hospital has three more positive staff members, no new patient infections, and no new deaths.
  • For long term care facilities, there are 32 new positive resident cases, 13 new staff cases, and 13 new deaths.
  • Treyton Oak Towers has 21 infected residents, eight infected staff members, and has faced five deaths.
  • Dr. Stack choked up talking about medical student volunteers and local officials helping with care in nursing homes.
  • Beshear spoke about a piece written by the son of David Pitman, a Pulaski County resident who died of COVID-19.

Wednesday, April 8:

• Oregon  schools will be closed for the rest of the school year.
• 18 people at Treyton Oak Towers, a senior living center in Louisville, have tested positive.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census.
  • Beshear said no family gatherings this week, even if you plan to stay six feet apart.
  • If you’re confused on whether or not you should hang out with friends or family, here’s what social distancing means in its simplest form: “Six feet is not an excuse to get together, and to be together six feet apart. It’s for grocery stores, exercising, and when we come in contact with someone else,” Beshear said. 
  • Social media highlights: NTI, chalk art, donations, healthcare heroes.
  • New executive order: Essential businesses must now limit one person per household. Exceptions include adults with young children and adults who have disabilities or impairments where they cannot be alone. The second part prohibits door-to-door operations.
  • No mass gatherings this weekend. “We’re in crunch time,” Beshear said.
  • Beshear said that the Easter Bunny is in fact classified as an essential worker, so no worries for the weekend.
  • Kentucky has 204 new cases today. Total is 1,346.
  • 339 people have recovered. 205 people are hospitalized and 93 people are in ICUs.
  • Kentucky has eight new deaths today.

Tuesday, April 7:

• JCPS started NTI today.
• After complaints from GE employees, GE is giving pay raises to production workers and service technicians and granting certain employees an optional leave of absence.
• Despite COVID-19 concerns, Wisconsin voters are still expected to vote in primaries today — in person.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. Fill out the census.
  • Social media highlights: PPE donations (Kentucky really needs donations of nitrile gloves), NTI, green lights, family photos.
  • Beshear said to stop posting photos “huggin on each other.” That’s not social distancing — “we can’t be doing that.”
  • Beshear showed a video of Republican Simspon County Judge-Executive, Mason Barnes, encouraging social distancing so communities can get back to normal.
  • Dr. Stack said Kentucky is going to increase its testing capacity to at least 2,000 tests per day. These tests are not for everyone, however. They will be reserved for people with symptoms, primarily healthcare workers and first responders as of right now.
  • Beshear said there are three places of major concern:
    • 1. Nursing homes (55 residents among, 22 staff, 11 deaths)
    • 2. The Green River Correctional Complex (9 inmates, 5 staff. This is the only prison where an inmate has tested positive.)
    • 3. Western State Hospital (9 patients, 4 staff)
  • Although this week is of importance to several faiths, Beshear said that cannot allow people to gather and ignore social distancing. “My faith teaches me to protect one another,” Beshear said when emphasizing the continued importance of social distancing.
  • Kentucky has 147 new cases today. Kentucky’s total is 1,149. Since the past two days were much lower, he thinks some cases that weren’t confirmed in time on those days came in today. The average for the last three days is 80 new cases.
  • Kentucky had seven deaths today. Kentucky has 65 total deaths.
  • Beshear gave a racial breakdown of some of the confirmed cases: 79% Caucasian, 12% African-American, 2.6% Asian, and 2% multiracial.

Monday, April 6

• If you recall, British Prime Minister tested positive for COVID-19 over a week ago. Now he’s in the ICU after being hospitalized.
• JCPS starts NTI tomorrow.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • Beshear did not start with his usual “We will get through this. We will get through this together,” instead listing the traits of personal responsibility, integrity, work ethic, and faithful commitment as identified in the generation that faced the trials of World War II. By using these traits, “we will get through this together,” Beshear said.
  • Today marks one month since Kentucky’s first COVID-19 case.
  • Beshear said the White House is fully supportive of Kentucky’s actions.
  • 10 steps. You need to be at home unless you’re getting essentials, going to work, or getting exercise.
  • Social media highlights: online classes, chalk art, homemade PPE, and family selfies.
  • Beshear showed a video of Dr. Bruce Williams, a pastor at Bates Memorial Baptist Church, encouraging social distancing and praising Mayor Fischer and Governor Beshear.
  • Beshear said Kentucky will begin using cabins in state parks to quarantine first responders who haven’t yet tested positive.
  • Kentucky has 54 new cases, bringing the total to 1,008. Once again, Beshear said we shouldn’t read much into today’s number. “If you wanna take something positive from today’s number, it’s that what you’re doing is working.”
  • At least 19,955 Kentuckians have been tested. 163 people have been hospitalized, but only about 70 are hospitalized currently.
  • Kentucky has 14 new deaths today.
  • Beshear read part of a guest op-ed about June Hill, a Kentuckian lost to the virus. Read it here.

Sunday, April 5:

• This morning, around 50 people gathered at Maryville Baptist Church in Bullitt County for church despite Beshear’s warnings against in-person services.
• Louisville has installed some hand-washing and portable toilets downtown for its homeless population.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 steps. And fill out the census. 
  • Beshear said it looks like we’ll see a peak in early May.
  • Social media highlights today: Positive sidewalk and chalk art, green lights, and a Kroger with #TeamKentucky spirit among today’s.
  • There are now 334 Kentucky National Guard members helping across the state.
  • Kentucky entered into an agreement with Gravity Diagnostics, who will help provide 2,000 next day tests per day. However, this depends on how many swabs the state can get. This will help significantly increase Kentucky’s testing ability. As of right now, about 18,000 Kentuckians have been tested.
  • Kentucky has 38 new cases today, bringing the total to 955.  306 people have recovered. Beshear said we’ll have to look at today’s data over the next few days because it’s Sunday and fewer labs are reporting. “I wouldn’t read too much into it… with that said, we have now had a number of days in a row, I think four, where we have been about the same,” Beshear said. Other states have doubled cases on a daily basis.
  • Kentucky has five new deaths today.

Saturday, April 4:

• At least two Louisville churches are ignoring Beshear’s order to stop holding church services.
• The CDC is now recommending for people to wear cloth masks in public to help slow the spread.
• 10 states have ordered public schools to close for the rest of the year.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 step graphic plus a step to fill out the census View it here.
  • Social media highlights: healthcare heroes, good social distancing, neighbors supporting neighbors.
  • Beshear discussed graphs that highlight possible death outcomes, emphasizing how well we do social distancing matters.
  • Beshear said that social distancing is helping decrease the spread of the flu in Kentucky. Although COVID-19 spreads faster and easier, “social distancing is working.”
  • Beshear discussed the CDC’s new guidance regarding wearing masks in public. If you are wearing a surgical mask, that means a healthcare professional might not have what they need.
  • Masks DO NOT replace the need to practice social distancing.
  • According to the CDC, if you are in a public where social distancing is more difficult, you should wear a cloth mask — it may help prevent the spread of droplets that can spread COVID-19. You must not touch your face while wearing a mask. More information can be found on kycovid19.ky,gov.
  • “Today’s update is an okay update,” Beshear said. Kentucky has 92 new cases today. After adjusting yesterday’s 16663 numbers, Kentucky has 917 total cases.
  • Beshear confirmed at least 16.663 Kentuckians have been tested. A little 130 have been hospitalized, and 76 are currently hospitalized.
  • Tonight, Beshear confirmed three new deaths — 40 total deaths.

Friday, April 3:

• JCPS officially extended its closure until May 1.
• Heine Brothers’ employees have threatened a “sickout” if the company doesn’t meet employee demands, like getting more PPE or employees being to choose hazard pay (getting temporarily laid off so they can apply for benefits). One employee in Jeffersonville, Indiana tested positive for COVID-19.
• The University of Kentucky is preparing for a possible spike in cases in the area by turning the Nutter Field House into a 400 bed field hospital.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 step graphic again. Fill out the census.
  • Social media highlights: Veterinarian, couples who postponed their weddings, more chalk drawings and green lights, and some video encouragement from athletes.
  • Beshear introduced a new chart today: With limited action, Kentucky could see 47,000 deaths. With three months at home and poor pun;ic compliance, Kentucky could see 13,000 deaths. With three months at home and strict public compliance, Kentucky could see 2,000 deaths. Beshear said the strict compliance projection is one of the best projections for Kentucky.
  • Three steps to approaching COVID-19: Social distancing, increasing healthcare capacity, and testing.
  • Arrange to donate PPE at giveppe.ky.gov or call 833-GIVE-PPE. Donate if you have it.
  • Kentucky has 90 new cases today. That brings the state to 831 total confirmed cases. Although this number is high, Beshear still said this was “positive news”  as “90 will become a small number in the future.”
  • Kentucky had six deaths today.
  • Referencing the new graph, Beshear said if you choose to do your part and stay healthy at home, you could help save up to 11,000 Kentuckians.
  • 228 people have fully recovered from COVID-19.
  • “Let’s remember they’re real people,” Beshear said when saying the number of cases and deaths can seem impersonal.

Thursday, April 2:

• Beshear had a conference call with Kentucky superintendents, and said that school closures need to extend to May. Details announced during his 5 p.m. presser.
• Despite Beshear’s executive order restricting travel, the Northern Kentucky border will remain open to accommodate for many citizens who travel to Ohio for work. Work is one of the few exceptions in the order, which does not contain any kind enforcement language. Also, a Northern Kentucky resident filed a lawsuit against Beshear, claiming the travel restriction order is unconstitutional and has caused her difficulties and distress regarding visiting friends and family in Ohio. View the order here and the complaint here.
• Indiana schools will remain closed through the end of this academic year.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • 10 step graphic again — emphasis on prioritizing mental health. “Ask people how they’re doing,” Beshear said.
  • Beshear moved into social media positives. Some healthcare heroes, green lights to honor those who have passed, and some fundraising efforts were among today’s highlights.
  • Beshear said he recommended that in-person instruction should not resume until at least May 1, saying how that goes along with White House guidelines. He said he’ll touch base with all superintendents one or two weeks out from May 1.
  • Expansion on the travel restriction executive order: People travelling into Kentucky must self-quarantine for 14 days.
  • Starting tomorrow, there will be no overnight stays in Kentucky’s state parks.
  • Beshear said Kentucky is going forward with using the Fairgrounds in Louisville to convert it to have 2,000 beds. The National Guard will help facilitate this.
  • Michael Brown, Secretary of the Executive Cabinet, announced that 186 state inmates, all C and D (lowest levels) felons who are more susceptible to the virus, are being screened for release. They’ll have conditions to uphold if they’re released. Brown also said some inmates are working on making PPE.
  • Beshear said Kentucky medical professionals need gloves, encouraging Kentuckians to donate. If you have gloves or PPE, call 502-607-6844 and the National Guard will help arrange for your donation.
  • Beshear explained how the state gets updates in cases. The updates he gives are data that has been confirmed by the Department for Public Health. There are 32 labs that can test, but only two can report results electronically. There are also 61 local health departments that turn in results to the state. At times, the labs and departments are not coordinated, resulting in confusion. Beshear said the third place they get numbers is from the media, and then the Department of Public Health has to determine if those numbers are part of results they’ve already received.
  • 100 new cases in Kentucky today. 770 total cases have been confirmed by the Department of Public Health.
  • There have been 11 confirmed deaths today, at least one actually happened yesterday. All but one individual had other health conditions. 
  • “Let’s breathe, take it in, and recommit,” Beshear said after delivering the update.

Wednesday, April 1: Happy April Fools’ Day — please avoid coronavirus related pranks!

• JCPS superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio held a press conference today regarding the start of NTI next week for the district. He said about 15,000 families have requested chromebooks for internet access, leaving about 10,000 left. JCPS is purchasing 6,000 internet hotspots for students with special needs in order for them to continue accessing special education services with reliable internet.
• Louisville police are now investigating pop-up coronavirus testing sites in the city, which Metro Council officials now say are scams.
• As of Tuesday evening, GE has an unconfirmed but probable case of COVID-19. The building will be shut down and disinfected for 48 hours.
• Kroger will give its employees pay raises, access to mental health services, and more benefits.
• The Kentucky legislature passed the one-year budget today, so now it goes to Beshear to sign or veto.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference/“The Andy Show”
  • “Let’s start the way we always start. We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • Beshear referenced the 10 steps to fight COVID-19 graphic, saying he’d try to repeat the steps from memory. See yesterday’s post for all 10 steps.
  • Beshear encouraged everyone to complete the census today — you have plenty of time if you’re healthy at home like you should be.
  • Beshear moved into social media positives, including some creative videos incorporating social distancing, some chalk drawings, and efforts to make PPE.
  • Beshear confirmed that over 10,000 Kentuckians have been tested, emphasizing Kentucky’s efforts to increase healthcare capacity.
  • Beshear said Kentucky needs to focus on three steps to fight COVID-19: Social distancing, increasing healthcare capacity, and testing.
  • Beshear announced Kentucky has 93 new cases today. There are two deaths today: a 60-year-old man from Daviess County and a 76-year-old woman from Hopkins County. Beshear said Louisville announced a death today but he hasn’t been able to confirm that. So, Kentucky has 20 total COVID-19 deaths.
  • “It’s everywhere now… If you hear that the coronavirus isn’t where you live, it is,” Beshear said. 
  • Beshear showed a video from UofL men’s basketball coach, Chris Mack, encouraging social distancing and for Kentuckians to donate to the Team Kentucky Fund (helps unemployed) if able. Donate at donate.ky.gov.
  • Beshear encouraged all reporters to make social media videos encouraging Kentuckians to stay home despite the beautiful weekend.
  • Josh Benton, from the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, spoke about unemployment. Benton said they’re revamping and centralizing the unemployment insurance website (kcc.ky.gov) and working to expand the call center in order to combat communication issues. About 70,000 unemployment claims have been reviewed and processed.
  • Beshear: “Beware of scams.” He referenced at home tests and pop-up sites charging money — don’t trust them. 
  • The Kentucky National Guard has been deployed to help food banks distribute.

Tuesday, March 31:

• A Kentucky legislative staffer tested positive for COVID-19.
• Kentucky lawmakers may consider a one year budget instead of the normal two year budget because of the pandemic.
• The GE union president is quarantined while waiting for COVID-19 test results after testing negative for strep throat and the flu.
• New York City has started to use an area of Central Park as a field hospital.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference/“The Andy Show”
  • “Let’s start. We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • “This is a tough day for Kentucky on every metric,” Beshear said, continuing to emphasize being healthy at home.
  • “If it looks like there’s a crowd at any store, you don’t go in,” Beshear said when explaining that social distancing must happen everywhere.
  • Beshear began going through the 10 steps from the new graphic he introduced yesterday: Stay healthy at home, wash hands and surfaces, avoid crowds and gatherings, apply for benefits (Medicaid and unemployment), practice social distancing, prioritize mental health, know when to seek care, do not travel, know the website (kycovid19.ky.gov), and report non-compliance.
  • Kentucky has 114 new cases and six new deaths today. “We can breathe. We can take it in, and we can know that because of it, we are committed to working harder the next day,” Beshear said, again saying that we will see worse days than this.
  • Deaths: 88-year-old woman from Fayette County, a 74-year-old man from Bullitt County, and 87-year old woman from Jefferson County, an 81-year-old woman from Jefferson County, a 74-year-old man from Jefferson County, and a 66-year-old man from Jefferson County. All of them had other conditions, but the coronavirus was a factor in their deaths. Beshear later announced another Kentucky death in Campbell County, making seven total deaths today.
  • Dr. Stack spoke again: “80% of us will be fine,” but there is also a significant portion that will suffer.
  • Stack said you should not wear a mask in public right now because those should be going to healthcare workers. If you’re sick, you should be in isolation.
  • Beshear said grocery store workers now qualify for child care originally reserved for front-line healthcare workers.
  • Beshear signed an executive order today that allows local governments and counties to hire back police, firefighters, EMS, and corrections officers who have retired.
  • Beshear: “No yard sales.”
  • Beshear said Kentucky is working on implementing drive-through testing in Franklin County in the next couple days. It will serve as a trial run before spreading it to other parts of the state.
  • UofL will test the kits from the drive-through site in Franklin County.
  • Beshear said we need “positive social pressure” to encourage everyone to follow guidelines.
  • Beshear concluded with highlighting some positives from social media, including several sites that used green lights to honor those who have passed and kids’ chalk drawings.

Monday, March 30:

• Trump extended social distancing guidelines to April 30 after the country’s leading expert on infectious diseases, Dr. Anthony Fauci, said the U.S. could face more than 100,000 deaths and millions of COVID-19 infections.
• Some GE workers will go back to work today, despite worker protests over the weekend against GE continuing to operate. The company is seen as an “essential business,” and is reopening after a health inspection approved their precautions against COVID-19.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference/“The Andy Show”
  • You know the drill… “We will get through this. We will get through this together,” Beshear said.
  • “I know it can be hard not knowing when it will end, but this is not forever,” Beshear said. 
  • As Beshear moved into sharing positives on social media, he encouraged everyone to take breaks from consuming news and looking at phones daily.
  • “In many ways, we might be the luckiest people to ever face something so difficult,” Beshear said when referencing virtual ways you can still stay connected to and interact with people.
  • Beshear introduced a new graphic about “10 steps to fight COVID-19.”
  • The 1-year-old in Fayette County who tested positive is at home with mild systems and is doing well.
  • New executive order from Beshear: Kentuckians must not travel to other states, except for very few exceptions.
  • Beshear’s Chief of Staff, La Tasha Buckner, gave a few more details about the executive order: you can go out of state for your job, for your healthcare, to care for a loved one, or for vital necessities. If you go to a different state for any reason other than the exceptions, you will be required to quarantine for 14 days. Beshear said that although law enforcement can help a little, the only way we’ll get people to do the right thing is if they agree to it and see it as their duty.
  • Although Tennessee is planning to enact new restrictions, there have been significant rises in northern Tennessee cases along Kentucky’s southern border, which is why Beshear said the new executive order is so important.
  • Beshear said Kentucky is working on plans to increase hospital beds, ICU beds, and our number of ventilators.
  • Kentucky has 42 new cases today, making the total number 480. Beshear said we will probably not have many more days where we have as few as 42 new cases in the next two weeks.
  • “Just because you don’t have a confirmed case in your county doesn’t mean the coronavirus isn’t there — it is,” Beshear said.
  • Beshear announced two new deaths today: an 88-year-old woman from Kenton County and a 90-year-old woman from Simpson County. Both had other conditions, but the coronavirus was a contributing factor to their deaths.
  • Beshear said there are two positive cases in a Campbell County nursing home, one staffer and one resident. The resident is in a hospital and they are testing at least four other people in the facility. That’s all the information he has.
  • Including tests from private labs, Beshear estimated that anywhere 15,000 to 21,000 Kentuckians have been tested for COVID-19.
  • The Amazon warehouse that Beshear asked to close will reopen Wednesday after having time to implement new guidelines and precautions.
  • Beshear said that he spoke to home improvement stores today, and they’re going to begin enforcing social distancing even more.
  • Beshear signed SB 150, the coronavirus relief bill for Kentucky, today.

Sunday, March 29:

• Two Louisville Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center workers have tested positive for COVID-19.
• To help slow the spread of the coronavirus in county jails, county jail populations have decreased by 28%. Most of the freed inmates are people who can wait on the outcome of their case at home. People charged with violent crimes and domestic violence are ineligible for release.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference/“The Andy Show”
  • For the third day now, Beshear encouraged everyone to say “We will get through this. We will get through this together,” saying it’s important that we believe this because things will only get worse.
  • “If you don’t follow the guidelines, doing something you think as social could result in real harm to another Kentuckian,” Beshear said. “We need to create positive social peer pressure.”
  • Beshear shouted out some positives on social media, including a Kroger in Elizabethtown that made markers on the floor to enforce social distancing.
  • Beshear said that after someone pointed out that Dale Hollow Park may not be enforcing state orders and social distancing, he said that more rangers have been added.
  • Beshear said that there will be officers in places like golf courses, and if people are not social distancing, the place will be shut down.
  • Beshear said that for those who are running, you must ot run with friends. Only by yourself or with family.
  • When referencing shopping at stores that are still open, Beshear said they’ve received several calls about people not social distancing at home improvement stores.
  • Dr. Stack spoke again: “The next two to three weeks are pivotal… this is crunch time.”
  • Stack made some shoutouts, saying these “aren’t the good ones.” He called out churches in Graves County for still holding services, emphasizing that they cannot do that. He even said that churches may appreciate large turnouts now, but some of those people may not be around at Christmastime if they don’t follow guidelines.
  • Stack, like Beshear, said that everyone needs to act like they have the coronavirus and act accordingly. In short, just follow the rules.
  • Beshear moved into his update, saying it’s a “pretty good one.”
  • As of 4 p.m., Kentucky has 45 new confirmed cases. That’s less than half the new cases from yesterday. 
  • As of 4 p.m., there haven’t been any deaths today.
  • “We are going to have an escalation of cases. We are in that escalation now,” Beshear said.
  • Beshear said there will be days when there are more than 92 new cases.
  • Kentucky has a total of 439 confirmed cases.
  • “We have to make sure we flatten the curve so we don’t overwhelm our healthcare system,” Beshear said. He also said Kentucky is working on increasing capacity, including possibly transitioning hotels to makeshift hospitals.
  • Beshear concluded by referencing the website and hotline (above), when to seek care guidelines, state guidelines, social media, and filing for unemployment insurance.

Friday, March 27:

• UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tested positive for COVID-19.
• The Omni Louisville hotel will shut down for a couple months due to the pandemic.
• The House of Representatives passed the $2 trillion relief bill and Trump then signed it.
• JCPS Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio had a press conference and released more information about NTI for JCPS. Read about it here.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference (“The Andy Show”):
  • A began by encouraging everyone to repeat out loud: “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • Before showing a video targeted at elementary schoolers and their parents during the crisis, he left viewers with a quote from “Frozen 2:” When one can see no future, all one can do is the next right thing.”
  • Beshear said that he continues to highlight positives and good things on social media in order to showcase models for good behavior and encourage people to buy into following guidelines.
  • He again said these next few weeks are critical. “While we are seeing an increase in cases, we have more time than them to flatten the curve…”
  • Beshear believes Kentucky is doing better than any other state, but said that we are only competing with ourselves to do better each day. He said even though it will be a beautiful weekend, we can’t let that encourage us to stop social distancing and being healthy at home.
  • Beshear asked mayors and county judges to close all public playgrounds, basketball courts, and things of that nature where he said people have failed to engage in social distancing.
  • Eric Friedlander, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, began speaking about initiatives for the homeless.
    • Friedlander said that Kentucky’s systems for helping homelessness were already strained before the virus, so now they are even more strained.
    • They’re expanding energy assistance programs, food stamps programs, housing programs and other programs that assist the homeless.
    • Asked for local communities, health departments, emergency responders, and community organizations to come together to improve plans for the homeless.
    • He recognized the need for PPE and said they are working to get those to people working with the homeless.
    • He recognized and praised efforts in Louisville and Lexington, like creating mobile showers and finding warehouses to use for homeless people.
  • Beshear then discussed the new individuals that can qualify for unemployment insurance (see post from March 25). To file a claim, click here.
  • Beshear then said he would like to specifically address people living on our border with Tennessee, saying those people must not go over that border for anything other than work, maybe helping a loved one, and maybe going to a grocery. He said if you do into Tennessee, you are risking bringing the virus more into Kentucky since Tennessee has not taken the same measures as Kentucky. “I need you to be strong in your pride in this state. I need to make sure that you don’t take someone else’s lack of action and possibly bring it back to Kentucky.”
  • He said tonight’s update is “okay” news. Kentucky has 54 new cases of COVID-19 today, four more than we had yesterday.
  • Kentucky had two new deaths due to the coronavirus today: a 75-year old woman from Fayette County and a 77-year-old man from Hopkins County.
  • Beshear said we still haven’t seen the surge expected in cases, telling people to continue to follow the when to seek care guidelines on kycovid19.ky.gov.
  • Beshear again thanked several organizations and groups of people making sacrifices and helping flatten the curve.
  • Kentucky moved its tax deadline to July 15.

Thursday, March 26:

• The U.S. now has more total COVID-19 cases than China and Italy — two countries that have been overwhelmed with the virus — with more than 82,000 cases. There have been over 1000 deaths in the U.S.
• The Kentucky legislature met today, with several Congressional members absent, most of them being Democrats.
  • Since the public cannot enter the Capitol because of precautions, several cars drove around the building with signs telling the legislature to “go home.”
• Late last night, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a $2 trillion economic recovery bill. If you’re an adult with a Social Security number who makes less than $75,000 a year, you would receive $1200 and $500 for every child you have. If you make over $75,000 but less than $99,000, you would receive some money, but less than $1200. If you make over $99,000 you would not receive anything. $500 billion would go to distressed businesses, including $29 million for the airline industry. $350 billion in loans would go to distressed small businesses. The bill now has to pass the House of Representatives to go into effect.
• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • Began by encouraging everyone to say together: “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • He again said that these next two to three weeks will be absolutely critical in flattening the curve in Kentucky. He again emphasized being healthy at home.
  • Lots of thanks: Beshear thanked every Kentuckian following state orders and guidelines and businesses for the sacrifices they’ve made. He thanked all organizations donating personal protective equipment (PPE), the media for their coverage, churches and places of worship for cancelling services, frontline healthcare workers and first responders for their continued commitment, teachers for finding ways to continue to teach, and maintenance staff for cleaning schools.
  • He re-emphasized the importance of daily schedules for youth.
  • He warned against going out to play basketball and said you are spreading the virus if you do that. (Louisville took the rims off its park basketball courts today.)
  • Beshear said Kentucky has its first coronavirus case of someone in a nursing home: a 90-year-old man in Perry County. BUT WAIT, about an hour after the press conference, this individual actually tested negative. False alarm Perry County.
  • Beshear announced Kentucky has 248 total COVID-19 cases today, which is 50 more from yesterday. That’s the largest single day increase Kentucky has seen so far.
  • Beshear encouraged everyone to complete their Census! You should’ve received something in the mail telling you how to do it online, but you can also send it in the mail. Just like helping combat the coronavirus is your “patriotic duty,” Beshear said completing your Census is your patriotic duty to helping us rebuild after this crisis.
  • Although Beshear hoped to have more details on drive-through testing in Kentucky today, he said he needs a day to a few more days to get everything worked out.
  • According to Beshear, Kentucky has had a better week in securing PPE.
  • Well over 11,000 people have been tested including negatives from private labs. For the state lab, 4,016 people have been tested.
  • Dr. Steven Stack began speaking about when to seek care, encouraging you to trust your healthcare professionals. If you are well, do not seek care. If you feel mildly ill, treat it as if you have COVID-19. According to Stack, if you have mild symptoms, you will have to just wait to get over it. For more information on when to seek care, visit: https://govstatus.egov.com/kycovid19
  • Stack was optimistic about Kentucky’s efforts to flatten the curve, saying Kentucky may be in the top 10 for best state efforts in combating the virus.
  • “We’re not here to force people to do the right thing. We’re here to inspire people to do the right thing,” Stack said.
  • Beshear concluded by emphasizing that the next two to three weeks are critical in flattening the curve, telling people to be healthy at home.

Wednesday, March 25:

• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • Kentucky has 198 confirmed cases of COVID-19. That’s 35 new cases today — less than the number of new cases from yesterday.
  • Beshear announced the fifth Kentucky coronavirus death: a 75-year-old man in Jefferson County.
  • Beshear said the next two to three weeks will be “absolutely critical” in fighting the virus. He said this is the “ultimate test for whether we are good people.” and that things are about to “get a lot worse” in the next few days before they get better.
  • There was a five minute video for preschoolers explaining the coronavirus.
  • Beshear highlighted organizations around Kentucky are contributing extra supplies and making personal protective equipment for the current shortage.
  • Beshear continued to recommend being “healthy at home,” meaning to stay active close to your home and be around your home as much as possible. Continue social distancing.
  • Beshear said Kentuckians should not be traveling. 
  • Other than going to work or getting supplies, Beshear said to stay home. He said you must not go out just because you are “bored.”
  • Dr. Steven Stack said that Kentucky’s practices and recommendations are having the effect they want
  • Stack called out college students who went on spring break and said they should assume they are infected. He said they need to self-isolate.
    • Kentucky has its first case of someone who went to Florida for spring break.
  • Stack said young children should not be going on playdates.
  • Independent contractors, substitute teachers, and other new categories of workers can now file for unemployment.
    • Beshear continued to say there should be no stigma surrounding filing for unemployment during this time. 
  • Beshear thinks that Kentucky will have its first drive-through testing facility next week. It will be open for a very specific group of people. He will announce its location tomorrow.
  • Beshear’s Chief of Staff, Latasha Buckner, gave more details about the order stating all non-life sustaining businesses have to close. If a business does not make medical supplies or provide things people need to survive, it must close and work remotely. Beshear said liquor stores are still open because they are part of food and beverage stores.
  • Beshear said we must not let fear get the best of us.
• There are now more than 60,000 positive COVID-19 cases in the U.S.

Tuesday, March 24:

• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • There are now at least 163 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Kentucky.
  • The Kentucky bourbon industry is making bottles of hand sanitizer.
  • According to Beshear, one of the new positive cases is from someone who attended a “coronavirus party.”
  • On Thursday night, all non-life sustaining businesses will have to close to in-person traffic.
  • Four people with the virus have fully recovered.
  • Four frontline health care workers tested positive for COVID-19.
• Trump claimed that the U.S. will be able to ease restrictions by Easter; Beshear and Fischer took issue with that.
• The 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics have been postponed past 2020.
• A Kentucky Amazon warehouse has closed due to employee cases of COVID-19.

Monday, March 23:

• Beshear’s 5 p.m. press conference:
  • Beshear said it is your duty to practice social distancing.
  • Beshear announced Kentucky’s fourth COVID-19 death: an 82-year-old woman with underlying health conditions.
  • Kentucky now has at least 124 positive COVID-19 cases.
  • There is a “Team Kentucky Fund,” where money raised goes to people whose employment has been affected by the crisis.
  • There is now a hotline to report people or individuals not complying with state orders, including social distancing: 1-833-KYSAFER
  • Kentucky has a plan in place to use hotels as extra space and beds if it gets to that point.
  • Beshear said that Kentucky is having to bid against other states to purchase personal protective equipment and said that he will do “whatever it takes” to protect the people of Kentucky.
  • Beshear and Dr. Steven Stack, Kentucky’s public health commissioner, have said that according to the WHO and the surgeon general, there will be a large increase this week in cases.
  • According to Stack, about 50% of Kentucky medical students have volunteered their time to help professionals with the crisis.
• Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb issued a stay-at-home order starting Wednesday.
• The U.S. now has the third most confirmed COVID-19 cases in the world, after China and Italy.
• A U.S. postal employee in Louisville tested positive for COVID-19.

Sunday, March 22:

• Kentucky now has at least 103 positive cases of COVID-19.
• Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul tested positive for COVID-19.
• Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a “stay at home” order beginning at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24.
• Beshear said that non-essential businesses must close by tomorrow night. Pharmacies, groceries, and gas stations can stay open.
• According to Mayor Greg Fischer in a conference call, Jefferson County has 28 cases of COVID-19.
• A Louisville man refused to self-isolate after testing positive for COVID-19, so he was ordered to quarantine by the Louisville Metro Department of Health and Wellness.

Saturday, March 21:

• Kentucky now has at least 87 positive COVID-19 cases.
• In his press conference, Beshear said a 67-year-old in Anderson County has died from the coronavirus, marking Kentucky’s third COVID-19 related death.
• Starting Monday, Kroger will reserve the first hour of being open to customers 60 years and older and other high risk individuals Monday through Thursday.
• A woman who was at the Omni Hotel in Louisville during an Episcopal Church conference — where six conference attendees later tested positive — has tested positive for COVID-19.

Friday, March 20:

• Kentucky now has at least 63 cases of COVID-19.
• In his press conference, JCPS superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio said that April 6 will serve as a training day for teachers to use NTI.
  • April 7 will be the first day of NTI for JCPS until schools reopen, saying that the earliest day for traditional school to resume is April 20.
  • Pollio said that each JCPS high school will have a “commencement exercise” after making supportive comments toward high school seniors, the class of 2020.
• Beshear recommended all Kentucky schools stay closed until April 20 after meeting with Kentucky superintendents today.
• Kentucky standardized testing, including K-PREP, will not take place this year.
• The College Board announced that it will allow students to take online Advanced Placement (AP) exams at home.

Thursday, March 19:

• Kentucky now has at least 48 positive cases of COVID-19.
  • A student at Kentucky Country Day School has been confirmed to have the coronavirus
  • Kentucky has had its second COVID-19 death: a 64-year-old man in Jefferson County.
• JCPS Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio said it is “highly unlikely” that JCPS will open on April 6 in the Jefferson County Board of Education meeting this evening.
• The Jefferson County Board of Education voted to approve its NTI plan. The use of NTI after April 6 is highly likely.
• The U.S. raised the Global Travel Advisory to level four, meaning all U.S. citizens should not travel abroad and citizens abroad should return home or expect to stay abroad for an unknown period.
• The Kentucky legislature suspended meetings for a week until March 26. After that, they’ll meet again on April 1.
• Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb ordered all Indiana schools to stay closed until May 1.
• Dollar General, Fresh Market, Rainbow Blossom, Target, and Whole Foods Market now have special hours for seniors to shop without feeling frightened.
• Louisville has announced that it will receive emergency funding for families and organizations struggling because of the outbreak. For more information on eligibility and how it works, visit: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2020/03/18/coronavirus-louisville-city-get-emergency-funding-pandemic/2872888001/

Wednesday, March 18:

• Kentucky now has 35 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
• There have been over 17,000 Kentucky unemployment claims this week. Usually, Kentucky gets about 2,000 per week.
• California schools are likely to close for the rest of the school year.
• An eight-month-old baby in Kentucky has the virus.
• Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer’s wife, Alexandra Gerassimides, has tested positive for COVID-19.
• The Kentucky Board of Education voted to let districts start non-traditional instruction (NTI) plans mid-year due to COVID-19 closures.
• If schools do not reopen, JCPS has said that April 6 will be a professional development day for teachers to learn how to conduct NTI.
• Kentucky closed its Real ID offices. Real IDs will replace current drivers’ licenses. 
• Kentucky is limiting in-person child abuse investigations due to COVID-19.
• Kentucky hopes to request a waiver to avoid state testing (K-PREP). Kentucky has not cancelled its testing window.
• According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, a non-profit that focuses on major healthcare issues, 45% of people 18 and older in Kentucky are at high risk for serious illness if they get the coronavirus. This makes Kentucky one of the most at risk states for serious illness.
• University of Louisville president, Neeli Bendapudi, tested negative for COVID-19 after attending an event where two attendees tested positive.

Tuesday, March 17:

• In his press conference, Beshear announced one more Kentucky case of COVID-19, bringing the total to 26.
• Beshear also said in his press conference that gyms, theaters, and concert venues, and salons must close by 5 p.m. tomorrow.
• Beshear said that childcare centers must close by Friday.
• The Kentucky Derby was postponed until Sept. 5.
• Kansas announced that their schools will be closed for the remainder of the school year. As of today, JCPS is still listing April 6 as the first day back for students.
• Healthcare workers are contemplating what triage — prioritizing people with the best chances of survival — might look like. In Italy, they’ve been forced to use triage due to inadequate infrastructure, doctors, and capacity.
• The American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky called upon the Kentucky legislature to adjourn due to COVID-19 concerns. Monday evening, many legislators, mostly Democrats, were debating whether or not to go to the session on Tuesday because of Beshear’s warnings and recommendations to all people in Kentucky.
• The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is stopping evictions for the “foreseeable future,” due to COVID-19 concerns and after the Supreme Court closed all courtrooms. 

Monday, March 16: 

• This marks the first day that Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and others across Kentucky were closed due to the coronavirus. 
• The ACT postponed its April test to June 13.
• The SAT has canceled its May exams and has not announced any new dates.
• The College Board announced it is developing tools to mitigate the effects of schools closing on AP exams, including possibly allowing students to test at home. On March 20, they’ll clarify their plans to the public.
• Governor Beshear announced that all bars and restaurants are to close in-house dining and drinking. Carry out and delivery are still permitted. 
• President Trump recommended people avoid gatherings of more than 10 people in his press conference and avoid discretionary travel in his press conference.
• The Kentucky primary election has been rescheduled from May 19 to June 23. 
• The stock market took its deepest plunge since Black Monday, the date that triggered the global market decline in 1987.
• Actor Idris Elba is the latest celebrity to test positive for the coronavirus.

*This story is being updated on a daily basis.*