Elizabethtown Community and Technical College have announced that they will be moving to online classes beginning today through March 27th. All lab classes at the college have been postponed until the threat of COVID-19 has passed, and will resume near the end of the term. The majority of personnel will work remotely during this time, however the college is open with limited staff and limited access to certain areas. Student services will be offered virtually or in a limited fashion on campus and all travel has been halted for staff members, including visits to other KCTCS colleges and the Versailles office. Before March 27th, ECTC leadership and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System president will determine if it is safe to return to regular instruction with staff on campus, or to continue online coursework and telework for staff.
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In his now daily evening press conference, Governor Andy Beshear informed the public that the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth of Kentucky is now at 35. Of those cases, one is that of an eight-month-old child who the Governor said is doing well, and is being treated at home. The Governor also announced continued steps to help those who may be in need. The department of community based services will be extending certification periods for recipients of all public assistance programs, such as food stamps or Medicaid, for three months. The Governor also announced the suspension of all commercial gaming licenses, saying that bingo halls presented a danger to those who are the most at risk, and announced that banks would more than likely begin imposing restrictions on lobby access and hours of operation.
The American Red Cross is urging the public to continue to give blood despite COVID-19. The organization says that over 1,500 blood drives have been cancelled, leading to over 46,000 fewer donations. Spokesperson Tiffany Taylor says that the Red Cross is taking all necessary steps to ensure that donors and staff are safe, and facilities are clean. Those who are healthy and eligible to donate blood are encouraged to visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive nearby
Hardin County Judge Executive Harry Berry has directed all county facilities be closed to the public effective at 4:30 PM yesterday. Berry notes that all employees will continue to report for duty in order to conduct business for citizens. Additional information and direction will be available at hcky.org. Fiscal Court will continue as planned on March 24, 2020, but will be closed to the public. The meeting will be streamed live on the county government’s official YouTube channel, and a recorded version will be posted to the county’s webpage the next day.
The Elizabethtown Police Department is encouraging caution after news of a scam. According to Officer Chris Denham, the new scam features someone saying that they are selling COVID-19 testing kits, which are only for use in medical facilities. As far as the department is aware, these kits are not for home use. The department advises those who believe they have been infected with the virus or show symptoms to contact health care professionals for advice.