The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has announced that starting today, the spur of KY 434 between US 31W and Wilson Road will be closed for removal and reconstruction. Traffic on Wilson Road will have access to US 31W from the new Centennial Avenue connector on the north end or from KY 220 on the south end, and traffic from KY 434 will have access to Wilson Road from the same routes. This area should be reopened to traffic by April 10th.
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The Lincoln Trail District Health Department has announced that there are 26 cases of COVID-19 in their service area, with ten cases in Hardin County, two in Larue, five in Marion, two in Meade, four in Nelson, and three in Washington. The health department urges those in their service area not to panic, but to follow guidelines put forth by Governor Beshear including social distancing, and wearing some sort of cloth facemask in settings where social distancing can be more difficult, such as the grocery store. However, the department discourages wearing surgical masks or N95 facemasks, as that takes away resources from healthcare workers who desperately need them.
In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there were 955 total cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of those cases, 38 were newly confirmed, and at least 306 patients have recovered. There were also five new deaths reported on Sunday, bringing the state total to 45. On a more positive note, Governor Behsear announced that the Governor’s office entered into an agreement with Gravity Diagnostics in Northern Kentucky. The agreement will provide up to 2,000 tests a day that we will be able to use around the state. This would be next day testing, and would be used for symptomatic, high-risk patients, first responders, and health care workers. The Governor says this would significantly increase the number of tests being done in Kentucky on a daily basis. Governor Beshear also noted that he will likely announce further steps to reduce large gatherings later this week.
The gradual removal of a traffic light in Elizabethtown has been completed. As previously reported, the State Highway Department began phasing out the traffic signal at the intersection of Helm Street and North Mulberry. The light is now fully removed, leaving stop signs on Helm Street, and no traffic signal on North Mulberry. The traffic on North Mulberry does not stop, and always has the right of way. The State Highway Department had previously deemed the light unnecessary.
Amid all the cancellations and closures related to COVID-19, one Hardin County event is still slated to open on schedule. The Hardin County Farmer’s Market will open for the season tomorrow morning. Market manager Autumn Milliner recognized that while it is difficult, the market is taking several precautions to protect the health of customers, including handwashing stations and spread out vendors. They are also encouraged to preorder and pickup instead of spending time in the pavilion. The farmer’s market has the ability to be open, as they are classified as an agricultural business, which was placed on the essential business list by Governor Beshear.