In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are 10,046 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of these cases, 131 were confirmed on Sunday, and 214 were confirmed on Monday. The number of those who have recovered from the virus remains at 3,232, however there were eight new deaths announced on Monday, bringing the state’s total to 439. The Governor reminded Kentuckians to light their home, places of business, and places of worship green for compassion; however another event was discussed in a separate press conference last night. In this press conference, Governor Beshear called it “unacceptable” that officers had their body cameras off on Monday morning, and also criticized the timeframe that Breonna Taylor’s family were given for justice. Governor Beshear pledged that, with the Kentucky State Police investigative force that has been brought on to examine the incident, the truth will be revealed, no matter what.
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America is back in space. After being scrubbed last Wednesday, Space X and NASA successfully launched the crew Dragon on Saturday, making it the first time since 2011, when NASA retired their space shuttles, that astronauts have entered orbit from American soil. It also marks the first time that astronauts have been launched into orbit in a commercially-built rocket, this time built by Space-X. The two crew members, Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley, have both previously been to space. The capsule docked at the International Space Station Sunday morning just after 10 AM.
Farmers and producers who have been affected financially by COVID-19 can now apply for assistance. The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which was part of the CARES Act, helps to make funds available to farmers and producers who saw their crops, livestock, and other products take a hit financially as COVID-19 began to spread within the U.S. Applications can be made by contacting local farm service agencies. The program is open for applications until August 28th.
In a brief update on Saturday, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are 9,704 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of these cases, 247 were newly confirmed. It is believed that 3,232 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus, however there were 13 new deaths announced on Saturday, bringing the state’s total to 431. The Governor also discussed the protests that took place in Louisville over the weekend, stating that while cannot understand or relate to the feelings of the African-American community, he is determined to help make the world a better place for all. He urged safety and peace in these times. The Governor also announced that he has deployed approximately 350 Kentucky National Guardsmen to help provide safety and protection to the citizens of Louisville.
As protests and demonstrations ramped up throughout the country this weekend, downtown Elizabethtown played host to two such events. On Saturday, around 100 participants gathered around the public square to conduct a peaceful protest. Elizabethtown Mayor Jeff Gregory thanked participants for their cooperation ahead of Saturday’s demonstration, saying that the event should be seen as an example for those wishing to do the same. Sunday’s protest, which was not organized by the same group and was larger than Saturday’s, was still peaceful. Elizabethtown Police Chief Jeremy Thompson said that with both protests, organizers and participants alike have been helpful and understanding, ultimately fostering good communication between the two. It is unknown yet if additional protests are scheduled for this week in Elizabethtown and the surrounding communities.