In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now 3,481 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of those cases, 161 were newly confirmed. It is believed that 1,335 people have recovered from the virus, however six new deaths were reported on Thursday, bringing the state’s total to 191. Doctor Steven Stack outlined in some greater detail exactly which healthcare practitioners will be able to resume care this coming Monday. These facilities include hospital outpatient setting, health care clinics and medical offices, physical therapy settings, chiropractic offices and optometrists, and dental offices. It was noted that health care providers should still work to provide telehealth as much as possible. Certain practitioners must still take special care as they reopen. Those in high-touch clinical settings such as physical therapy or chiropractic must wear non-latex gloves in addition to enhanced hand hygiene practices, and sanitize objects and contact surfaces between patients. In the case of those in high-aerosol risk settings such as dentistry and oral surgery, the state is seeking additional input in order to assure the safety of both patients and staff. All facilities are asked to eliminate traditional waiting rooms, ensure social distancing, eliminate visitation except in end-of-life situations, screen all workers, patients, and others for temperature and symptoms upon arrival, and wear all required PPE while in the office.
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The Central Kentucky Community Foundation announced yesterday that their annual awards dinner, called Celebrating Achievement, will be held over a live broadcast this year. This decision was made in order to adhere to social distancing, but to still make the event special for the winners and staff working with the organization. The broadcast is set to air on Facebook and Youtube on Monday, April 26th at 6:30 PM.
Hardin County Schools is encouraging students and families to remember teachers and staff during teacher appreciation week May 4th through the 8th. Information on the Hardin County Schools website details how students and families can write a message to a teacher or staff member that has made an impact on their life. Some of these messages will be shown on Hardin County Schools social media. Messages or videos can be sent until no later than 5 PM on Thursday, May 7th. Whether the message appears on HCS’s social media or not, the district will send the messages to the particular staff member.
While not a startling increase, the Lincoln Trail District Health Department continues to confirm more cases of COVID-19 in their service area. As of yesterday at 4 PM, 71 cases were reported, with 31 of those attributed to Hardin County. Additional cases were confirmed yesterday in Hardin, Meade, and Nelson. Breckinridge County also confirmed another case of COVID-19, bringing their total to 7.
The Elizabethtown Fire Department responded to a house fire at 508 Lee Road at around 5 AM this morning. The crew forced entry into the home and quickly extinguished the burning furniture in the front room of the home. Crew members located the resident, a 46-year old female, lying in the floor. She was given medical treatment by firefighters until Hardin County EMS arrived. The exact cause of the fire is unknown at this time.