Towne Mall in Elizabethtown has temporarily altered their hours of operation in an attempt to support the community. These new hours are 11 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 PM on Sunday. These new hours go into effect today. The mall notes that each store and restaurant may have their own operating hours, so check their individual websites for the latest information.
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Several things have had their course altered by the threat of COVID-19. The primary election for Kentucky that was scheduled to take place this May has been pushed back to June 23rd. Employees who have been made unemployed as a result of COVID-19 can apply for unemployment, and the waiting period and work search requirements have been waived. The time to reapply for an expiring Kentucky Drivers License has been extended to 90 days. Kentucky’s hospitals are to cease all elective surgeries as of tomorrow in order to ensure medical capacity for an increase in COVID-19 cases. A request has been submitted to the small business association to receive a disaster designation. This will allow small businesses to obtain loans to assist with the impact of the disease on their establishments. Finally, the state capitol will be closed to non-essential personnel, and state in-person services are closed. Continue to practice preventative measures such as social distancing and frequent handwashing.
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, Kentucky has reported 25 cases as of last night. In his evening press conference, Governor Andy Beshear confirmed 22 tests at that time, and alluded to several pending results from state labs that could turn out to be positive. One person has died due to complications from the respiratory illness, and one has made a full recovery. As part of his effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, Governor Beshear has ordered all child care businesses to close by the end of business hours on Friday. Beshear acknowledged the impact the decision will make, noting that it will be difficult for some, but it is a necessary step. There will be exemptions for those in the healthcare field, as well as some on-site employer exceptions. According to the CDC, children are not at a higher risk for the illness than adults.
In a Facebook Live video posted yesterday evening, Elizabethtown Mayor Jeff Gregory, Radcliff Mayor JJ Duvall, Vine Grove Mayor Pam Ogden, and Hardin County Assistant Judge Executive Daniel London answered questions from the public, and one of those questions involved utility collection. Both Mayor Gregory and Mayor Ogden stated that they would not be doing shut-offs this month, and that while they would like for bills to be paid in a timely manner, they understand that circumstances are different. The meeting concluded with another reminder to practice proper hygiene and listen to official government agencies to stay up to date on all information.
Governor Andy Beshear announced in his press conference this morning that the first death from COVID-19 in Kentucky has taken place. The Bourbon county resident, who had been previously reported as being in poor condition, passed away. Beshear noted that the victim had several underlying medical issues, and that the virus was only one of the contributing factors to his passing. No further cases of the illness have been reported in Kentucky, with the number of confirmed cases remaining at 21. Also in the press conference, Governor Beshear announced that in-store traffic in restaurants and bars is being prohibited in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Kentucky. Those such as Hardin County Chamber of Commerce CEO Brad Richardson and Vine Grove Mayor Pam Ogden have advocating for continuing to support local business in these times by shopping online, or using a drive-thru or takeout service to keep the industry alive.