In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now 198 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. This marked 35 new positive cases, which was less than the previous day’s total. However, with this announcement came sad news, as the fifth death related to COVID-19 was confirmed. The victim, a 75-year-old male from Jefferson County, had underlying health issues. In terms of new steps being taken, Governor Beshear ordered a halt to all residential evictions, expanded unemployment eligibility to the self-employed, independent contractors, and freelance workers, and gave a status update on a potential new way of testing for the virus. Beginning next week, the first drive-thru test facility will be established in the Commonwealth. Hopefully starting on Monday, a single location for a specific group who are showing symptoms will be opened. The Governor says that this is a test concept that, if successful, could lead to several more such facilities opening next week, which would allow for far more testing than before.
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Hardin Memorial Health has announced that effective today, visitation at Hardin Memorial Hospital has been suspended, with only essential caregivers allowed to accompany patients for medical appointments or tests. The organization has been progressively restricting access to the hospital and medical office to protect patients from COVID-19. There will be limited exceptions, allowing one healthy visitor, who will be screened prior to visitation, for patients under eighteen, women in labor, end of life patients, hospice patients, dependent patients who require assistance, and outpatient surgery and cath lab patients. These visitors are asked to enter at the main registration and patient pick-up entrance. For more information on Hardin Memorial’s policies and response to COVID-19, visit hmh.net.