A resident of Kentucky has died after he contracted a confirmed case of COVID-19, Gov. Andy Beshear said during a briefing today.
Beshear said the state currently has 21 confirmed cases of the virus as of last night and that the state will order the closure of bars and restaurants to in-person business today. There will be exceptions for drive thru, carry-out and delivery options.
Beshear said the state is working to extend its unemployment benefits to those impacted by closures caused by the virus without the state’s usual waiting period.
Kentucky’s first death was a 66 year old Bourbon County resident.
“Unfortunately we have lost the patient there who tested positive,” Beshear said. “We are thinking about him and his family. While coronavirus wasn’t the only cause, it was a contributing factor… think about the ramifications if you’re not following our guidance.”
Kentucky has found cases of COVID-19 in eight counties. No cases so far have been confirmed in Northern Kentucky.
Beshear also reviewed a litany of measures the state has taken or will take, including closing the state capitol building to non-essential personnel, extending expiring driver’s licenses for 90 days and other measures designed to limit the spread.
Beshear said limitations on testing meant that many cases are going undiagnosed.
“We expect to have cases of the coronavirus in every part of the state,” Beshear said.
This article appears in Mar 4-17, 2020.