One of the region’s largest healthcare providers has seen a decrease in volume during COVID-19. According to numbers obtained from Hardin Memorial Hospital, the month of march saw many categories, including endoscopies, radiology, and emergency room volume present a decrease in patients. Chief Marketing and Development Officer Tracee Trout says that numbers were down in large part due to the cancellation of elective procedures, which went into effect March 18th. Trout says that regardless, HMH stands ready to care for the community. One aspect that the hospital has seen an increase in is births, with over 130 taking place last month.
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In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now 1,346 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of those cases, 204 were newly confirmed, the largest single day growth thus far. Eight new deaths were also reported on Wednesday, raising the state’s total to 71 deaths related to the virus. In an effort to help stop the spread of the virus, Governor Beshear and his staff passed a new executive order that will only allow one adult per household into stores that are still open, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, at a time. Exceptions will be made for single parents or caregivers for adults who cannot be left alone. In addition, a previous executive order was extended to allow pharmacists to dispense emergency refills for up to another 30-day supply. The Governor’s Office also banned door-to-door selling, and warned against any sort of mass gathering this weekend, including church services.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has announced that beginning today, the Woodland Drive Connector from Cardinal Drive will be closed as the alignment construction project for KY 361 and US 31W continues. Traffic on Cherrywood Drive will not have access to Woodland Drive during this time, and closure signs will be placed on Woodland Drive and Cherrywood Drive. Access will be maintained for residents at all times. The connector will be reopened by 5 PM Wednesday, April 15th.
Two Louisville women have been arrested after allegedly stealing hundreds of dollars of merchandise from a local hardware store. According to arrest records, Devriesha Britt and Raynette Martinez were observed by Lowes loss prevention concealing several pieces of merchandise on April 6th before leaving the store without paying. Britt was also served with warrants stemming from previous shoplifting events in Bullitt and Jefferson County. Britt and Martinez were charged with engaging in organized crime, a Class C felony. Both are lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.
Several area nursing homes and long term care facilities will be hosting a car parade today at 3 PM. In this show of support for residents and health care professionals, participants, while socially distancing in their own cars, will honk horns and make signs to spread love while remaining safe. The route will begin at the EABC ballpark, and will go through Kensington Center, Elizabethtown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and then Signature Healthcare of Elizabethtown. Residents will be at the windows of these facilities and socially distancing on the porch. Participants are asked to not leave their vehicles during this parade.