Governor Andy Beshear announced more decisive actions and preparations Wednesday to stop the spread of the covonavirus (COVID-19) in nursing homes, schools, events, and state prisons.
Actions and preparations announced by the Governor Wednesday include:
– Instructed school districts to be prepared to close on short notice, as short as 72-hours.
– Closed all state prisons to visitors.
– Directed state nursing homes and other long-term care facilities to stop taking visitors.
– Encouraged every individual in Kentucky, in particular those over the age of 60 and those with chronic medical conditions, to do what they can to avoid large gatherings and minimize time in groups and public places.
– Asked places of worship to cancel services temporarily due to the proximity.
– Suspended out-of-state travel for state employees.
– Urged more businesses to allow employees to telecommute and to provide paid sick leave.
– Asked people to spread out in meetings and workspaces by increasing the distance between seats and taking other similar actions.
– Cancelled the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast out of an abundance of caution.
According to Governor Beshear, the actions and directions are proactive to prevent the spread and to protect Kentuckians, particularly those at higher risk, including those over 60 or with chronic health conditions including heart, lung, or kidney disease.
The Governor has also briefed state lawmakers and all 120 county judges. He will also update jailers and school superintendents.
As of mid-afternoon Wednesday, there are eight confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Kentucky, including five in Harrison County, two from Fayette and one from Jefferson. State health officials say the five cases in Harrison County are connected. All eight people are in isolation, four in medical facilities and four at home.
Officials say the state has received results for 54 cases with 46 of those being negative. Eighteen of the 20 results received Tuesday were negative.
On Friday, the Governor declared a state of emergency to ensure the state has all of the necessary resources to respond. He also issued an executive order to waive copays, deductibles, cost-sharing and diagnostic testing fees for private insurance and state employees. In addition, he is telling providers to expand their networks to patients that may go outside their normal providers.
On Tuesday, Governor Beshear also signed an executive order to allow pharmacies to refill prescriptions for up to 30 days to ensure those vulnerable communities or those who need to self-isolate will have their needed prescriptions. The action, if necessary, will also allow pharmacies to operate at locations other than those designated on their permits to make sure people have access to necessary medication.
Kentuckians who want advice about COVID-19 can call the state hotline at 1-800-722-5725.
