4/23/2020- Governor Beshear announces phase one of reopening economy

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now 3,373 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of those cases, 196 were newly confirmed. It is believed that 1,311 people have recovered from the virus, however there were 14 new deaths reported on Wednesday, bringing the state’s total to 185. In terms of new announcements, Governor Beshear announced the beginning of the first phase of reopening Kentucky’s economy, and it will begin with healthcare. Initially, this easing of restrictions, which will begin Monday, will allow for diagnostic and radiology testing, as well as non-urgent, emergent, in-person office, and ambulatory visits. The Governor reiterated that there is not to be a community waiting room in these facilities, noting that the new waiting room is the patient’s own car. In addition, Governor Beshear announced four new drive-thru testing sites that will be located in Louisville, Lexington, Owensboro, and Bowling Green. Those seeking to obtain a test can get location and registration details at the Kroger Health website. Governor Beshear had previously stated that a foundational basis for safely reopening the economy requires a massive scaling up of testing capacity in the Commonwealth.