In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are 9,184 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of these cases, 113 were newly confirmed. It is believed that 3,181 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus, however there were nine new deaths reported Thursday, raising the state’s total to 409. More than 15,000 March and April unemployment claims were processed this week, and Deputy Secretary of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet Josh Benton says that the department is putting their most seasoned staff on getting more of those unprocessed claims done. In addition, Benton discussed a security breach that took place in April. According to Benton, on April 23 at 9:17 AM, it was reported that some unemployment insurance claimants could have been able to view the identity verification documents uploaded by other claimants. The portal was taken down two hours later, and a security fix was implemented that night. To date, no reports of financial harm or identity theft have been received. In other news. Governor Beshear announced that Kentucky Kingdom and public pools can reopen on June 29th with a list of extensive precautions. The Governor said that local leaders may choose to keep pools closed based on their assessments of whether or not safety requirements can be met.
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Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell made an appearance in Elizabethtown yesterday. The Senate Majority Leader, joined by Hardin Memorial Health President Dennis Johnson and Hardin County Judge Executive Harry Berry, talked about the chances of another possible air bill, with McConnell voicing his opinion on what its top two priorities should be: a full return to education, and of the workforce. In addition, McConnell thanked HMH Staff and physicians for their work to combat the effects of COVID-19 in the region, as well as encouraged citizens, especially younger ones, to overcome whatever stigmas may be attached to wearing masks or social distancing. This was McConnell’s second public appearance he has made in Kentucky since March.
A Hardin County man was arrested earlier this week after police say he allegedly strangled someone. According to arrest citations, Radcliff Police responded to a call of a woman who was running from the site of the alleged incident. When officers contacted the victim, she advised officers that her boyfriend, Robert Bartels, allegedly came up behind her and placed his arms around her neck, which she said almost caused her to pass out due to lack of air. Bartels then took the victim to the ground, where the victim was able to wrestle away from him. Officers also discovered that Bartels had been ordered to stay away from the victim. Bartels was arrested and charged with strangulation, assault, and violation of condition of release. He was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.
Warm Blessings Soup Kitchen is looking for assistance on their cooking line to help lead cooks beginning June 1st. The soup kitchen assures those who are looking to apply that there are plenty of masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer in the facility, as well as active use of social distancing for safety. Those looking to apply should have previous cooking experience, and are asked to contact Maria Jones at the soup kitchen with any questions.
Additional cases of COVID-19 across the region were announced yesterday, though the number of cases reported seems to be facing a decline. Wednesday evening saw only two new cases reported in the Lincoln Trail District Health Department’s service area, with the new cases being announced in Hardin and Nelson counties. In total, 188 cases of the virus have been confirmed in the district with 159 recovered, 21 on home isolation, and four patients currently hospitalized. Additionally, the Grayson County Health Department confirmed no new cases of the virus, keeping the county’s total at 132.