While many regional events have been cancelled, one has decided to continue on, albeit in a different way. Elizabethtown’s annual Founder’s Day event will not take place, however the fireworks will still take place, just in a different location. The new location for the fireworks show will take place in proximity to EC3 and Elizabethtown Community and Technical College. The hill will make for easier viewing, and the number of parking lots around the college will help accommodate a large crowd while at the same time enforcing social distancing. More information about the change can be found at etownevents.com.
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In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now 5,934 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of these cases, 159 were newly confirmed. It is believed that 2,125 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus, however there were eight new deaths reported on Wednesday, bringing the state’s total to 283. Governor Beshear announced that the state’s partnership with Kroger will bring more testing next week in several locations. Louisville, Lexington, Elizabethtown, and Corbin will see testing locations. The Elizabethtown location will be John Hardin High School. Information on how to register for the sites throughout the Commonwealth can be found at kycovid19.gov. In addition, the Governor issued a new executive order editing Kentucky’s travel ban to be more like Ohio’s, meaning those with a positive case or presumptive positive case of COVID-19 are banned from entering Kentucky, except as ordered for medical treatment.
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is offering free online classes to interested individuals looking for a pathway to a new career, needing a learning outlet, or testing their interest in online learning. The only requirements for the courses are internet access and being 18 years of age. These classes include Electrical Principles, Change Management, Managing Workplace Anxiety, Income Tax, Every “Body” is Beautiful, Stress Management, and a CDL Permit Test Prep. Registration for the courses is open, and can be done on the Workforce Solutions page on ECTC’s website. The classes will start May 13th and continue to June 15th.
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is the latest college to make operational changes due to COVID-19. The college announced yesterday that test scores would not be required for enrollment for the upcoming school year. The college made the decision after determining that the school’s Assessment Center would be operational due to the Center not being able to adhere to social distancing guidelines. As a result, the college will be accepting test scores, even those past the 4-year requirement. More information can be found on ECTC’s website.
Tourism has been halted in many places due to COVID-19, and Elizabethtown is no exception. Executive Director of Elizabethtown Tourism Janna Clark discussed the difference in tourism numbers compared to this time last year. Clark said that March and April were “devastating” for tourism, as hotel occupancies were around 15-20%. In addition, restaurants who have seen the need to convert to delivery or take-out services are also struggling, as the business model is not seen as sustainable at this time.