LOUISVILLE, Ky. — LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) – Governor Andy Beshear has confirmed two new cases of COVID-19 in Kentucky, bringing the statewide total to 20.
He says the two positive cases were confirmed in Jefferson and Clark Counties.
This comes nearly 24 hours after state officials confirmed four other cases including two in Fayette County and one in Jefferson and another in Nelson County.
So far, Jefferson County has a total of 5 cases.
The governor also confirmed he was tested for the virus after attending the Speed Ball at the Speed Art Museum on March 7. He said someone who was also in attendance tested positive for the COVID-19.
He said his test came back negative.
Of the 20 cases, Beshear said one patient suffering from the virus was in poor condition. They believe multiple factors may have contributed to that situation.
So far, here are the latest numbers:
- Harrison, F, 27,
- Fayette, M, 40
- Jefferson, M, 69
- Harrison, F, 67
- Harrison, M, 68
- Fayette, M, 46
- Harrison, F, 54
- Harrison, M, 60
- Harrison, M, 51
- Fayette, F, 31
- Jefferson (could be a repeat test)
- Bourbon, M, 66
- Jefferson, F, 68
- Jefferson, F, 80
- Nelson, M, 53
- Montgomery, M, 56
- Fayette
- Fayette
- Jefferson
- Clark
One person who officials say tested positive at the University of Louisville Hospital left against medical advice and returned to his home in Nelson County. They say local health officials asked him to self-quarantine, but he refused. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services is actively working with the local county attorney and county judge to obtain an order to force him to quarantine in his home.
The state’s first patient out of Harrison County is on the mend. The governor says the woman has fully recovered from the virus.
During the briefing, Beshear also urged childcare centers to create plans for closure within 72 hours.
“While children remain at low risk, they can carry the virus and we must do everything we can to reduce its spread and protect our most vulnerable, including our senior citizens,” Beshear said. “We are going to get through this as one team – Team Kentucky. We must remain calm and take care of each other by practicing good hygiene, social distancing and sharing. We have heard about a new mom who cannot get formula for her new baby, we need everyone to be a good teammate and practice sharing.”
He is also asking hospitals to end elective procedures by Wednesday due to the capacity of cases the state could possibly see.
“We are going to work with them to give them the flexibility to re-purpose a lot of their staff.”
During his Sunday media briefing, the governor stressed the community should be taking social distancing seriously.
After reports of people crowding bars and restaurants to celebrate St. Patrick's Day celebrations, Beshear said he would be forced to closed them if that continued.
Congressman John Yarmuth also announced Sunday that he came in contact with someone with COVID-19 and will self-quarantine
“Late yesterday, I was informed that, one week ago, I was in the presence of an individual who has since tested positive for COVID-19. This individual displayed no obvious symptoms at the time of our contact. Upon learning this, and after consult with my doctor, I made the decision to stay at home and will self-quarantine for the remainder of this week’s District Work Period. I have been tested and am awaiting results. As I telework from home this week, I will continue to stay in touch with Federal, State, and local officials as we all work to combat this pandemic. I continue to urge all members of the public to practice social distancing and follow all Centers for Disease Control and Kentucky Department for Public Health guidelines to keep yourselves, your families, and others safe.”
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