In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now 2,048 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of these cases, 84 were newly confirmed. In addition, an unfortunate mark was met, as Governor Beshear announced seven new deaths, bringing the state’s total to 104. The Governor ordered flags at all state office buildings to be lowered to half mast in honor of those lost to the disease. The Governor said that the first day of drive-thru testing in Franklin County was a success, and announced a second planned location set to open on Wednesday. This location will be in Kenton County, and will shoot for 250 tests per day. Registration for this site is open to those who qualify, and can be completed at thelittleclinic.com/drivethru-testing. In addition, the Governor gave an update on the field hospital being set up at the Kentucky State Fairgrounds, noting that there are now more than 250 beds on site. The plan is to have 2,000 beds, and the Governor says the work is ahead of schedule and thanked the National Guard for their continued efforts.
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The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is alerting Hardin County residents of a closure due to railroad construction. According to the department, railroad work will require closure of the KY 224, or Grayson Street, crossing in Upton today. This is expected to only be a one-day closure. The majority of planned railroad work in Hardin County took place last week.
Relief is on the way for some Americans in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it might be arriving as soon as this week. In an interview last Friday, 2nd District Representative Brett Guthrie says the much-talked about stimulus checks, $1200 per adult, might be deposited into bank accounts this week. There are a few exceptions to those who will receive the checks, including high-earners and college students, among others. The $2.2 trillion CARES Act also includes the Payroll Protection Program, which is designed to help businesses cover their payroll.