In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are currently 2,291 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of those cases, 88 were newly confirmed. In addition, it was reported that 862 have recovered from the virus, however there were seven new deaths reported last night, brining the state’s total to 122. In terms of new steps, the Governor announced the first stage of a unique testing regiment, and partnership with Louisville Metro Government, the Christina Lee Brown Environmental Institute, and the University of Louisville designed to save lives and get people back to work quicker. The goal of the regiment, called the Co-Immunity Project is to check antibodies in those who have had the virus to see if there is a level of immunity. This would be the beginning steps to allow those with a level of immunity to assist in public places and help those in need. The Governor also announced that his administration is deepening ties with neighboring Indiana and Ohio in order to eventually coordinate plans to reopen the economies of the states. Governor Beshear says the leaders will continue regular calls and planning sessions over the coming weeks, with updates being provided as actions are taken.
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Southeast Christian Church is partnering with the American Red Cross in holding blood drives at many of their locations, and the drive for the Elizabethtown location is scheduled for tomorrow. Michael Kast, a preacher with Southeast Christian, says many precautions, including constant sanitation of the donation space, will be taken to ensure safety. Temperatures will also be taken before anyone is allowed to go into the building. Donations can only be made by appointment, and those appointments can be scheduled at southeastchristian.org. Times for the blood drive go from 1-7 PM.
Yesterday, the Supreme Court extended the suspension of in person court services to May 31st in order to ensure ongoing social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The order restricts dockets, jury trials, and jury service from taking place at court facilities, and requires court proceedings to be done remotely.
A Hardin County business is doing something special to help spread some good will during this time of uncertainty. In a video posted to the Hardin County Schools Facebook page yesterday, District Spokesperson John Wright announced that Kat’s Mobile Kitchen had paid off the lunch debt of North Hardin High School. Owner Kat Hennemut says the act was a continuation of a previous donation to other schools in the north end of the county. Hennemut says the next step is to pay off the lunch debt at John Hardin High School.
The Kentucky Community and Technical College system will receive approximately $34 million from the CARES Act. Each of the 16 colleges in the KCTCS will receive a portion of these funds. Locally, this means that Elizabethtown Community and Technical College will be receiving $2,426,734. This emergency financial aid can be used by students for course materials, technology, housing, food, healthcare, and childcare costs. KCTCS should receive further information and guidance on when and how the funds will be distributed to students.