FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 29, 2020) – Kentucky had 45 new confirmed cases of the novel Coronavirus COVID-19 and no additional deaths on Sunday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced. That less than half the 92 new cases reported Saturday. The state total is now 439.
The governor continued to warn all Kentuckians to practice social distancing at all times and said he and other state officials would consider Monday whether to order closure of businesses with reports of unsafe operation.
“This is why we have social distancing. This is a virus that spreads like wildfire,” Gov. Beshear said. “So, yes we are going to see more cases in Kentucky.”
Sixty-four people infected with coronavirus in Kentucky are believed to have recovered and nine have died related to the virus. The Governor is requesting that Kentuckians ring bells outdoors at 10 a.m. daily as a show of unity and support for safe practices.
“The coronavirus makes us anxious, afraid, uncertain and isolated, but I hope you think we are connected more than ever,” Gov. Beshear said. “This requires us to be a commonwealth for the common good. In fact, it is a calling that our individual actions impact the safety and health of others.”
With COVID-19 cases ramping up, Gov. Beshear announced that Kentucky is poised to see federal aid flowing to people and agencies here.
Kentucky has received federal disaster designation that will provide additional funding for the commonwealth’s response to the pandemic.
The Major Disaster Declaration issued by President Donald Trump broadens access to the Public Assistance Program statewide to pay for emergency protective services not covered by other federal statutes.
The declaration also allows state and local agencies to recover expenses related to the response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Some examples of services covered include emergency medical care, medical sheltering, personal protective gear, law enforcement and communications, as well as the purchase and distribution of food, water, ice, medicine and other consumable supplies.
The Governor’s request for Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation programs are currently under review.
The federal Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, which was just signed into law, provides wide-ranging benefits to all Kentuckians.
In particular, it provides a variety of assistance and hope to Kentuckians whose livelihoods have been harmed by the coronavirus outbreak and response.
“I signed an agreement with the Department of Labor that provides for us to raise the maximum weekly benefit by $600, increase benefits weeks by 13 additional weeks, fund unemployment insurance for individuals not typically eligible and finally allows states to expand workshare programs,” Gov. Beshear said.
Add Comment