FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 24, 2020) – Gov. Andy Beshear on Wednesday updated Kentuckians on the state’s actions to fight the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).

“We are going to get through this because we have shown, even with a worldwide health pandemic, we can come together, unite, know what it takes, and manage something as aggressive and deadly as COVID-19,” the Governor said. “The only way we can reopen safely is if we continue to test and people work with our contact tracers.”

Gov. Beshear and administration officials offered new guidance for Kentucky schools looking to open safely in the fall, new sites for in-person unemployment insurance claims service and new drive-through testing locations as part of the commonwealth’s partnership with Kroger. Information was also provided about a major settlement that will provide millions of dollars to Kentucky’s rural hospitals and major announcements aimed at making Kentucky’s Appalachian region the AgriTech center of America.

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. June 24, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 14,363 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 229 of which were newly reported Wednesday.

Dr. Steven Stack, Kentucky’s commissioner for public health, warned that health officials have tied many cases to travel outside of the state.

“We have now identified here in Kentucky numerous people that have returned from Myrtle Beach with COVID-19,” Dr. Stack said. “I have to continue to urge and beg folks to be careful. It is not the time to be cavalier because we have a scenario where a place that was just starting the reopening process went from being fine to a state of emergency in three weeks.”

Unfortunately, Gov. Beshear reported one new death Wednesday, raising the total to 538 Kentuckians lost to the virus.

The death reported Wednesday was an 89-year-old man from Laurel County.

“It sounds when we say, ‘Only one death,’ like it is a good day, but it’s not a good day for that family. Let’s remember that and continue to light our homes up green. Compassion is needed more in this world than ever for so many reasons. Let’s make sure we keep showing it as Kentuckians,” the Governor said. “I hope that we learned that when we show compassion, when we talk to each other without initial judgement or anger, when we can put other people and their wellbeing ahead of ourselves, that’s a special place to be, and I think Kentucky is that place.”

As of Wednesday, there have been at least 368,152 coronavirus tests performed in Kentucky. At least 3,706 Kentuckians had recovered from the virus.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 23, 2020) – Gov. Andy Beshear on Tuesday updated Kentuckians on the state’s actions to fight the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).

“We have made the changes in our daily lives, all in order keep our fellow Kentuckians safe from this deadly disease,” Gov. Beshear said. “I see the sacrifices being made by so many and I’ve never been more proud to be your Governor. It’s not only the compassionate thing to do, it’s also letting us reopen our economy without the problems we’re seeing in other states that threaten to reverse such efforts.”

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. June 23, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 14,141 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 315 of which were newly reported Tuesday.

Unfortunately, Gov. Beshear reported 11 new deaths Tuesday, raising the total to 537 Kentuckians lost to the virus.

The deaths reported Tuesday include a 52-year-old woman from Allen County; three women, ages 77, 77 and 91, and a 90-year-old man from Clark County; a 78-year-old woman from Fayette County; an 84-year-old woman from Graves County; a 46-year-old woman from Harlan County; a 67-year-old man from Jefferson County; a 106-year-old man from Logan County; and a 77-year-old woman from Shelby County.

“These are 11 Kentuckians whose families are hurting and who need all of us to keep them in mind and in our prayers,” the Governor said. “Let’s remember to light our homes and businesses up green and to ring bells every morning at 10 a.m. to let everyone who has lost someone to the coronavirus know we care.”

As of Tuesday, there have been at least 363,027 coronavirus tests performed in Kentucky. At least 3,591 Kentuckians had recovered from the virus.

For additional information, including up-to-date lists of positive cases and deaths, as well as breakdowns of coronavirus infections by county, race and ethnicity, click here.

New Guidance for Venues
Gov. Beshear and Dr. Steven Stack, Kentucky’s commissioner of public health, are preparing Kentuckians for updated guidance beginning Monday, June 29, for many venues, including restaurants and bars. The new guidance also covers wedding venues and gatherings of 50 or fewer people.

Adherence to rules on social distancing, mask use and sanitation remains critically important, and people in more vulnerable categories should continue to avoid such gatherings.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 22, 2020) – Gov. Andy Beshear on Monday updated Kentuckians on the state’s actions to fight the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).

The Governor held Monday’s news conference in the Old State Capitol.

“The Old State Capitol helps us to make connections between our past and our future. That is important now more than ever,” Gov. Beshear said. “We learn from the past to do better in the future. Watch History.ky.gov for more details about the reopening of the historic state Capitol building.”

Gov. Beshear and administration officials also provided updates on new guidance for venues, including for weddings and gatherings of 50 or fewer people; preparations for Tuesday’s primary elections, including polling help from plain-clothed Kentucky National Guardsmen; and upgrades being made to help administer unemployment insurance claims.

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. June 22, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 13,839 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 90 of which were newly reported Monday. He also noted Sunday’s number of new cases was revised up by three, to 120 cases.

Fortunately, Gov. Beshear reported no new deaths Monday.

“For somebody who has read the names, genders and ages of those we have lost, to have no reportable deaths today is special,” the Governor said. “We are very grateful and blessed that today there is a reprieve from this deadly virus.”

The total number of Kentuckians lost to the virus stands at 526.

At least 3,534 Kentuckians had recovered from the virus. For additional information, including up-to-date lists of positive cases and deaths, as well as breakdowns of coronavirus infections by county, race and ethnicity, click here.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 21, 2020) – Gov. Andy Beshear on Sunday updated Kentuckians on the commonwealth’s ongoing efforts to defeat the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).

“Team Kentucky, we can do this,” the Governor said. “Keep getting tested, keep wearing masks, keep answering the call if our contact tracers reach out to you. We have the tools we need to slow the spread of COVID-19 significantly until we get a vaccine.”

The Governor also wished all Kentucky dads a happy Father’s Day.

“My dad worked tirelessly to show up for my brother and me, no matter what challenges he was facing,” said Gov. Beshear. “I always want to do the same for Will and Lila. They are my greatest joy. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and father figures out there who are giving their kids their very best even during such a difficult year.”

Case information
As of 4 p.m. June 21, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 13,750 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 117 of which were newly reported Sunday.

“We’ve been in this fight for more than three months now and, unfortunately, we still have a long way to go,” said Gov. Beshear. “But I have total confidence that Kentuckians will rise to the challenge in order to do one of the things we do best: watch out for families, friends and neighbors.”

Unfortunately, Gov. Beshear reported two new deaths Sunday, raising the total to 526 Kentuckians lost to the virus.

“I know these families are in so much pain right now, and the reality is, there’s nothing anyone can do to fix it,” said Gov. Beshear. “We can’t fix it, but we can continue to support all families who are grieving during this time. You are not alone.”

The deaths reported Sunday include a 73-year-old man from Butler County and a 61-year-old man from Fayette County. 

As of yesterday, at least 3,530 Kentuckians had recovered from the virus.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 18, 2020) – Gov. Andy Beshear on Thursday updated Kentuckians on the state’s continued fight against the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).

“We’re going to address all the challenges that are in front of us and we’re going to come out on the other side stronger, better, more compassionate people, better prepared for the future,” said Gov. Beshear. “We’re going to take the lessons we have learned and we are going to make sure that we make the changes that are necessary so that the next time we face a challenge, whether it’s like this or something else, that we are ready.”

Gov. Beshear also signed a proclamation recognizing tomorrow, June 19, as Juneteenth National Freedom Day. He will encourage the legislature to adopt it as a state holiday in the next regular session.

Juneteenth celebrates the events of June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger led Union soldiers into Galveston, Texas, to bring news that the Civil War had ended and to read General Order #3, which stated that in accordance with President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation all enslaved African-American people were free and entitled to absolute equality of personal and property rights.

“During these times when again we have heard voices and we have seen the frustration of hundreds of years of ramifications of slavery, discriminations, Jim Crow, of segregation, I think it’s more and more important that we remind everybody of this dark chapter in our history and that its impacts continue to linger,” said Gov. Beshear. “We should celebrate the dates that at least portions of that dark chapter ended.”

Case information
As of 4 p.m. June 18, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 13,197 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 234 of which were newly confirmed Thursday.

“Let’s remember while these numbers are in an area where we still have reopening that is on track, where we still have the capacity in our health care systems to take care of people, that it’s a very fragile place where we are,” said Gov. Beshear. “We need to continue to follow the Healthy at Work rules. We need to continue to wear masks, and those that aren’t out there, I know there’s a number, we need you to reconsider.”

Unfortunately, Gov. Beshear reported three new deaths Thursday, raising the total to 520 Kentuckians lost to the virus. After review, one death previously counted was determined not to be a COVID-related death and has been removed from the death count.

The deaths reported Thursday include a 91-year-old woman from Jefferson County, an 87-year-old man from Logan County and a 79-year-old man from Perry County.

“It’s 520 individuals just since March and its 520 individuals whose families are reeling and need our help,” said Gov. Beshear. “Let’s make sure we continue to share the compassion we have, light our homes and our businesses up green, and ring those bells at 10 a.m. These are three families that need us.”

At least 3,506 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus.

For additional information, including up-to-date lists of positive cases and deaths, as well as breakdowns of coronavirus infections by county, race and ethnicity, click here.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 17, 2020) – Gov. Andy Beshear on Wednesday updated Kentuckians on steps the state is taking to address the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).

“COVID-19 has been tough. It has changed so much about our daily lives. It has upended our economy, it has required us to sacrifice. It has taken the lives of so many of our loved ones, and it has tested our mental and emotional health. It has also taught us critical lessons: that we are compassionate people, that our ability to survive and thrive depends on each other, and that we Kentuckians are some tough people,” the Governor said. “It’s also taught us a critical and deadly lesson on the importance of health care. When we fail to provide our people coverage, we allow our population to suffer from diabetes, lung cancer and congestive heart failure. This pandemic shows us that the lack of good health care options makes us more vulnerable and less resilient.”

The Governor also offered new information on efforts to get personal protective equipment (PPE) to poll workers ahead of next week’s primary elections and new testing sites as part of the state’s partnership with Kroger. The Governor also made announcements about the Cabinet for Health and Family Services health care exchange and leadership at the Department for Community Based Services.

Case information
As of 4 p.m. June 17, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 12,995 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 170 of which were newly confirmed Wednesday.

“We don’t want 170 new cases, but when you look at Arizona, a state that is one-and-a-half times our population, I believe, they had over 2,000 new cases yesterday. There’s only about a 20,000 difference overall in how many tests have been out there,” Gov. Beshear said. “So Kentuckians are doing a good job. But we’ve got to remember, what we see around us says it can come back very, very quickly.”

Unfortunately, Gov. Beshear reported six new deaths Wednesday, raising the total to 518 Kentuckians lost to the virus.

The deaths reported Wednesday include a 71-year-old man from Clay County; a 90-year-old woman from Fayette County; and four women, ages 45, 87, 93 and 95, from Jefferson County.

“Let’s make sure we continue to turn on those green lights and ring the bells every morning at 10 a.m.,” the Governor said. “It’s something that’s brought us together as a people, but more important it’s something that’s been there for people at that tough time. It’s something small we can all do to lift someone up. It’s well worth it.”

At least 3,444 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus.

For additional information, including up-to-date lists of positive cases and deaths, as well as breakdowns of coronavirus infections by county, race and ethnicity, click here.

The Governor also shared a story of a remarkable recovery, as reported by WLKY.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 16, 2020) – Gov. Andy Beshear on Tuesday updated Kentuckians on steps the state is taking to address the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).

“Everybody needs to remember that COVID-19 is still out there, it spreads aggressively and it can be deadly. As part of Team Kentucky we all have to do our part and remember there are three things you can do to help stop the spread of COVID,” the Governor said. “No. 1: Socially distance, wash your hands and wear a mask; that’s critically important. No. 2: Make sure you regularly get tested for COVID-19. We need that all over the commonwealth. And No. 3: If you’re contacted by one of our contact tracers, make sure you talk to them. That’s how you protect yourself and everybody around you. If we can do those three things, we can continue to reopen Kentucky, to do it safely and to protect one another.”

The Governor’s team also offered new information on guidance for public pools and gatherings of up to 50 people.

Case information
As of 4 p.m. June 16, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 12,829 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 203 of which were newly confirmed Tuesday.

Unfortunately, Gov. Beshear reported seven new deaths Tuesday, raising the total to 512 Kentuckians lost to the virus.

“We have come so far, we have sacrificed so much, we have shown so much compassion for one another,” the Governor said. “Let’s continue to be good people, because that’s what’s going to defeat the coronavirus.”

The deaths reported Tuesday include a 72-year-old man from Allen County; a 43-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman from Boone County; a 77-year-old woman from Green County; an 80-year-old woman from Hardin County; and two women, ages 74 and 89, from Jefferson County.

At least 3,431 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus.

For additional information, including up-to-date lists of positive cases and deaths, as well as breakdowns of coronavirus infections by county, race and ethnicity, click here.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 15, 2020) – Gov. Andy Beshear on Monday updated Kentuckians on steps the state is taking to address the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).

“We’re going to get through this together, we are going to come out the other side, we are going to rebuild and restart our economy, we’re going to take care of each other as we’re going through this, and I believe we have the opportunity to be not only stronger, but better coming out of it,” the Governor said. “We have seen what we are capable of when we come together, and that ought to tell us what our potential is moving forward.”

Gov. Beshear and administration officials also spoke about the importance of wearing masks and aiding contact tracing efforts in preventing spikes of the virus in the commonwealth. Officials also reminded Kentuckians that today is the deadline to request an absentee ballot for the upcoming primary elections and of the need to fill out U.S. Census forms. Updates on education and corrections also were provided.

Final Day to Request Absentee Ballot
Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians that they have until midnight tonight to request an absentee ballot for the upcoming primary elections.

“The election is eight days away. Get online, make sure that you order this,” the Governor said. “Voting is the bedrock of our democracy. Agree, don’t agree with a candidate or elected official – still vote. It’s the way we peacefully transition power, it’s the way we make our voices heard.”

Because of the pandemic, all voters are eligible to use the Absentee Ballot Application Portal available online. A link to the State Board of Elections’ portal can be found at govoteky.com.

Masks Prevent Outbreaks
Gov. Beshear and Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner for the Department for Public Health, stressed the importance of wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to protect Kentucky from experiencing the surges and spikes that are being seen in other states.

“The one most important thing we can do to prevent a spike, to make our reopening go the way we want it to, is to wear a mask. I know this has become part of what some people call a cultural war. Folks, this is not. This is key to keeping each other alive. It’s the key to keeping our reopening,” the Governor said. “You want our kids to be back in school as soon as possible and you’re not wearing a mask? You could be preventing what it is you want to see. I know it’s not comfortable. But when every single health official – those working for President Trump, those working for me – say this is the very shot we have, shouldn’t we be willing to do it?”