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covid-19 virus
March 7, 2020
Kentucky confirms first case of COVID-19
State officials announce the first person to contract COVID-19 in Kentucky is a Harrison County resident being treated at UK Chandler Hospital in Lexington.
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March 7, 2020
March 12, 2020
Christian County Public Schools close
Joining a growing number of institutions across the country that close in response to the coronavirus outbreak, the district announces it will close until April 10.
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March 12, 2020
March 15, 2020
CDC urges against gatherings of more than 50
Organizers of events, regardless of size, are encouraged to cancel in-person gatherings.
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March 15, 2020
March 16, 2020
Kentucky reports first COVID-19 related death
A 66-year-old man from Bourbon County with COVID-19 dies.
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March 16, 2020
March 16, 2020
Restaurants, bars ordered to close
Some exceptions are made for delivery and drive-through. Layoffs hit local businesses immediately. Meanwhile, the city of Hopkinsville closes its offices and facilities to the general public.
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March 16, 2020
March 17, 2020
Election postponed
Kentucky becomes the third state to delay its election as Gov. Andy Beshear issues an executive order delaying the May 19 primary to June 23.
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March 17, 2020
March 19, 2020
Christian County confirms first COVID-19 case
Christian County Health Department officials announce the county's first confirmed case of COVID-19. The patient, a 61-year-old woman, begins a 14-day isolation period at her home.
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March 19, 2020
March 19, 2020
State issues ban on mass gatherings, in-person worship
Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack and acting secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services Eric Friedlander issue a formal letter banning all mass gatherings, including worship services.
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March 19, 2020
March 20, 2020
Jennie Stuart’s Express Lab opens drive-thru COVID-19 test site
A second drive-thru test site is later opened by the health department at Tie Breaker Park.

The lab employees serve as “the frontline of the frontline” in the community’s response to coronavirus pandemic.
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March 20, 2020
Griffins-featured
March 23, 2020
State orders non-essential retail businesses to close
Gov. Andy Beshear announces Kentucky’s non-essential retail businesses — including clothing stores, florists, bookstores, sporting goods and car dealerships — must close by 8 p.m.
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March 23, 2020
covid-bear-hunt-schreckers-featured
March 26, 2020
Local organizations, residents try to help children fill their days
As families across western Kentucky continue to feel the effects of social distancing, local organizations and residents collaborate to find ways to help children fill their days.
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March 26, 2020
Alissa-Keller-Zoom-birthday-social-distancing-COVID-19-coronavirus-featured
March 30, 2020
Hopkinsville residents find new ways to interact in era of social distancing
Like many others across the country, Hopkinsville residents turn to technology to connect with friends and family. Locally, a group of friends creates a birthday surprise for Alissa Keller, executive director of the Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County.
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March 30, 2020
April 1, 2020
Number of Christian County COVID-19 cases grows to 20
Six newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 are announced, bringing the county's total to 20. One of the patients is reportedly at Western State Hospital, the state psychiatric facility on U.S. 68.
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April 1, 2020
April 5, 2020
On Palm Sunday, churches meet in unconventional ways
After offering virtual worship for a month, many churches look for other ways to connect with members while observing the state ban on gatherings.
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April 5, 2020
Green-Light-Clocktower_COVID19_featured
April 5, 2020
Green glow offers compassion, support
Gov. Andy Beshear asks Kentuckians to display green lights as a symbol of compassion and renewal. Several homes, businesses and public buildings across the city — including Hopkinsville’s most iconic symbol of history and community pride — install emerald-colored bulbs.

Statewide, there have been 917 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and 40 people have died as a result of the disease.
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April 5, 2020
April 8, 2020
Local health officials announce 3 COVID-19 deaths — the county's first
The deceased are an 86-year-old man, an 86-year-old woman and a 76-year-old man. Two were patients at Western State Hospital, Gov. Andy Beshear reports during a press conference.
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April 8, 2020
April 8, 2020
Jennie Stuart lays of 248 employees
Citing reduced operations for elective and non-emergency services during the coronavirus pandemic, Jennie Stuart lays off 248 employees. The announcement comes a day after the hospital's management company declares bankruptcy.
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April 8, 2020
April 10, 2020
Christian County COVID-19 cases grow to 53
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April 10, 2020
April 17, 2020
27 employees, 13 patients at Western State Hospital test positive for COVID-19
After two patients die with coronavirus, 139 COVID-19 tests are administered to staff and patients at the psychiatric facility.
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April 17, 2020
lake barkley resort
April 20, 2020
Lodge at Lake Barkley to house people with COVID-19 who don’t need hospitalization
Gov. Andy Beshear announces a plan for people who don’t have a suitable place to quarantine after being diagnosed with COVID-19 to be housed at the lodge at Lake Barkley State Resort Park in Trigg County.
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April 20, 2020
April 21, 2020
Schools advised to close for rest of academic year
Following guidance from the White House for re-opening the economy, Gov. Andy Beshear recommends that Kentucky schools not hold in-person classes for the rest of the school year.
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April 21, 2020
April 23, 2020
Kentucky expands absentee voting
Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear and Republican Secretary of State Michael Adams announce every voter will be allowed to cast a ballot by mail or vote early during the state primary elections on June 23.
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April 23, 2020
May 2, 2020
Downtown Hopkinsville businesses continue to adapt
With the outbreak of the novel coronavirus and state restrictions on restaurants, local businesses come up with creative solutions — like the small sliding window at Afternoon Delight Ice Cream Parlor.
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May 2, 2020
May 5, 2020
Summer Salute’s fifth annual festival canceled
Hopkinsville’s Summer Salute in late August is canceled, joining a growing list of public events that have been shut down or postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
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May 5, 2020
May 7, 2020
Hopkinsville Art Guild Gallery becomes first downtown tenant to announce a permanent closure
The Guild, which has rented gallery space in downtown Hopkinsville for six years, announces it will close because of the financial impact of coronavirus.
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May 7, 2020
May 18, 2020
Downtown restaurant owners weigh safety concerns, costs of reopenings on occupancy
Facing restrictions on occupancy, several restaurants plan to stick with curbside service and delivery for the time being.
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May 18, 2020
May 19, 2020
Christian County COVID-19 cases grow to 100
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May 19, 2020
May 27, 2020
Jennie Stuart begins to bring back some employees who were laid off in April
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May 27, 2020
May 27, 2020
As more businesses begin to reopen, questions and anxiety mount over COVID-19 workplace safety
Many employees express concerns about the enforcement of safety standards.
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May 27, 2020
June 3, 2020
Griffin's Studio announces closure
The business announces it will shift to pop-up art events, art-to-go packages and commissioned work.
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June 3, 2020
June 4, 2020
Hopkins County infant dies from coronavirus complications
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June 4, 2020
COVID-19 coronavirus mask
June 4, 2020
As masks become controversial, evidence mounts that they work to curb spread of coronavirus
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June 4, 2020
June 4, 2020
As county's coronavirus case total continues to increase, health department hires more contact tracers
Since the start of the outbreak, 160 residents have tested positive for the virus.
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June 4, 2020
Andy Beshear coronavirus mask
June 18, 2020
Beshear calls state’s COVID-19 situation ‘very fragile,’ urges Kentuckians to wear masks
To the many not wearing masks, Beshear said, "We need you to reconsider. It's not a test of your manhood, whether you wear a mask or not. I think it's a test of your compassion, maybe even your faith if you're willing to wear one of these to protect a fellow human being. Remember, we all have a duty to each other, even folks we've never met."
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June 18, 2020
June 23, 2020
Kentuckians cast ballots in unusual primary election
Final results of the election will be released in the coming days as officials count mail-in ballots.
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June 23, 2020
June 25, 2020
County's 4th COVID-19 death reported; cases surge
A single-day spike of 43 new coronavirus cases is attributed to an outbreak involving workers at the construction site for the Oak Grove horse track.
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June 25, 2020
June 26, 2020
Kentuckians who've vacations to hotspots urged to self-quaratine
South Carolina beach counties, including Myrtle Beach, are included in the advisory from state health officials.
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June 26, 2020
June 28, 2020
Long-term care restrictions go into effect
Visitors are required to schedule appointments in advance and visits must be socially distanced, outside of the patient's room and restricted to one visitor at a time.
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June 28, 2020
June 30, 2020
Kentucky bars reopen as COVID-19 rates increase around U.S.
The move is the latest in a series of reopenings phased in by Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s administration. Kentucky Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack says it’s essential that people continue to practice good hygiene and follow social distancing guidelines.
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June 30, 2020
July 2, 2020
Christian County’s coronavirus case total reaches 249
The seven-day average of new cases is 4.6.
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July 2, 2020
July 6, 2020
Hopkinsville Municipal Center reopens
Everyone entering city hall will be required to wear a face mask and to have a temperature check.
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July 6, 2020
July 7, 2020
Pembroke man, who spent 7 days on a ventilator at Jennie Stuart, warns others to take COVID-19 seriously
Hoptown Chronicle tells the story of Robert Celing, who says a plasma transfusion at Jennie Stuart Medical Center probably saved his life.
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July 7, 2020
July 9, 2020
Gov. Beshear mandates masks in public
The initial order is for 30 days.
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July 9, 2020
July 11, 2020
Christian County sees fourth straight day of double-digit COVID-19 cases
The local COVID-19 case total grows to 323, as the county sees an increase of 43% over the last two weeks. The seven-day average grows to 6.1.
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July 11, 2020
July 12, 2020
Health department sees uptick in COVID-19 testing, positive percentages
Local health officials announce that the county's positivity rate gre from 2% in May to 6% in June.
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July 12, 2020
Christian County Public Schools Superintendent Chris Bentzel
July 17, 2020
Christian County Board of Education votes to return to in-person instruction
The school board decides that students will return to classes in August when the school year begins. A virtual option will also be offered.
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July 17, 2020
July 20, 2020
Beshear lowers mass gathering limit to 10, issues travel advisory
During the announcement, Gov. Andy Beshear says the two most prominent causes of new virus clusters in Kentucky are vacation travel and gatherings without social distancing.
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July 20, 2020
July 24, 2020
Christian County confirms its 5th COVID-19 death
The deceased was an 80-year-old man with underlying health conditions.
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July 24, 2020
July 27, 2020
Beshear closes bars for 2 weeks, limits restaurant capacity to 25%
The steps are among those recommended by the White House to prevent the spread of the virus.
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July 27, 2020
July 30, 2020
County confirms its 6th COVID-19 death
The deceased was a 65-year-old man with underlying health conditions. The health department says his case was not related to any community clusters or facilities.

The county's case total grows to 539, and the seven-day average is 11.
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July 30, 2020
August 1, 2020
Christian County sets a weekly record for the most COVID-19 cases
101 new cases were reported.
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August 1, 2020
August 3, 2020
Gov. Andy Beshear urges President Trump to wear a mask consistently
The governor says the state would be doing better if the president set a better example.
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August 3, 2020
jennie stuart medical center at night
August 4, 2020
Number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients doubles in a week
The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations at Jennie Stuart grows from five to 12 in a week. Previously, the largest reported number of patients being treated at the hospital was seven.
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August 4, 2020
August 7, 2020
Christian County Health Department confirms 8th coronavirus death
The death is the second in a two-day span.

The county's COVID-19 case total grows to 618. The seven-day average drops to nine.
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August 7, 2020
August 10, 2020
Executive order allows 50% capacity in Kentucky bars and restaurants
Customers must wear a mask except for when eating or drinking and have to remain in their seats except when they enter and leave, or go to the restroom.
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August 10, 2020
August 12, 2020
Christian County Board of Education votes to begin school year online
The school board votes to follow the governor's recommendation and not begin in-person classes until at least Sept. 28.
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August 12, 2020
August 12, 2020
Coronavirus hits home for Hoptown Chronicle
Hoptown Chronicle editor Jennifer P. Brown tells readers her coronavirus story.
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August 12, 2020
August 13, 2020
Christian County Health Department confirms 11th coronavirus death
It's the third COVID-19 death in a three-day span.

The local case total grows to 717, and the seven-day average grows to 14.9.
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August 13, 2020
August 17, 2020
For the fifth day in a row, Christian County reaches a new high 7-day case average
More than half of all coronavirus cases in Christian County were reported in the last month.

The seven-day average grows to 17.4 — the highest level yet.
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August 17, 2020
August 21, 2020
Churchill Downs announces that the Kentucky Derby will run without spectators
Initially, the event was planned for a 40% crowd capacity, but track officials decided they couldn't responsibly bring fans onto the property.
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August 21, 2020
August 27, 2020
Christian County's pandemic death toll grows to 13 as 2 more deaths are confirmed
Since the pandemic began, 864 residents have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The seven-day average drops to 10.4.
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August 27, 2020
August 31, 2020
Health department confirms county's 14th death
The county's COVID-19 case total grows to 888. The seven-day average grows to 11.4.
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August 31, 2020
September 1, 2020
Christian County listed as one of 14 'red zone' counties in White House report
Counties are classified as a "red zone" if new cases of the virus numbered more than one per 1,000 residents and the share of residents who tested positive during the week is over 10%.
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September 1, 2020
September 4, 2020
Local nursing home reports outbreak
In its report to the state, Christian Health Center lists 17 residents and five staff members with active cases of COVID-19.
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September 4, 2020
September 5, 2020
Mask mandate extended
It's the second time the governor extends the order.
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September 5, 2020
empty classroom
September 8, 2020
Students return to classes
In a change from its previous decision, the school board opts to bring students back to in-person instruction 20 days before recommendations from the state.
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September 8, 2020
September 15, 2020
County's COVID-19 death tolls grows to 17
The county's case total grows to 1,095 and the seven-day average — 16.4 — approaches the record high. Six months into the pandemic, approximately one in 70 residents have tested positive for COVID-19.
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September 15, 2020
September 17, 2020
Christian County’s 7-day COVID-19 average reaches record high
The seven-day average grows to 19.7, with an incidence rate of 20.8.

As Christian County Public Schools experience an uptick in cases, several sports teams are quarantines and games are canceled.
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September 17, 2020
September 23, 2020
County health director stresses ‘critical state’ of COVID-19, issues new guidance
Kayla Bebout called on residents to discontinue social gatherings, sporting events and extracurricular activities. Local schools decline to follow the advice.

Meanwhile, city recreation programs and others suspend services until Oct. 2.
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September 23, 2020
September 30, 2020
Health department works to combat coronavirus myths
As misinformation about the virus spreads, questions arise about reinfection, health department payments and quarantine requirements.
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September 30, 2020
September 30, 2020
Kentucky cases top 1,000 for second day in a row
Gov. Andy Beshear says the numbers should be a “wake-up call” to every Kentuckian.
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September 30, 2020
October 2, 2020
Health department lifts request to suspend community events, sports
Residents are still urged to follow other guidelines, including the state mask mandate, and to not break quarantine orders.

The local COVID-19 death toll grows to 24. The seven-day average is 15.3.
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October 2, 2020
October 2, 2020
Gov. Andy Beshear announces he and his family are in quarantine
The quarantine followed exposure to a state trooper who had tested positive for COVID-19.
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October 2, 2020
October 3, 2020
Hypertension, diabetes among top underlying conditions in Christian County COVID-19 deaths
Twenty-four of the 25 people who've died locally from COVID-19 have had underlying health conditions.
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October 3, 2020
October 21, 2020
City announces the 2020 Christmas Parade will 'run in reverse'
Rather than having several thousand people crowded on downtown sidewalks, the audience will drive by the parked parade.
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October 21, 2020
October 23, 2020
Pandemic fatigue sets in for many
The “odd mix of resignation and heedlessness,” hits Kentucky at a time when cases, hospitalizations and deaths are at record highs.

Christian County's case total grows to 1,860 and the seven-day average reaches a record high of 25.3.
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October 23, 2020
October 26, 2020
Beshear issues guidance for ‘red zone’ counties, including Christian
Recommendations include allowing employees to work from home when possible, discontinuing all events and gatherings, and avoiding in-person service at restaurants or bars, among other requests.
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October 26, 2020
October 31, 2020
Halloween is celebrated — with restrictions
Hopkinsville's downtown trick-or-treat event is replaced by the first-ever "Halloween Scare-A-Van," a drive-thru event at Trail of Tears Park.
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October 31, 2020
November 4, 2020
CCPS suspends extracurricular activities, most sports through Nov. 20
The district makes an exception for football — the only athletic program actively competing — which will be given the opportunity to finish out the season.
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November 4, 2020
November 5, 2020
Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation halting most indoor activities
Christian County's status as a "red zone" county prompts the changes.
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November 5, 2020
coronavirus vaccine
November 6, 2020
Participants sought for vaccine trial
After completing testing that makes the vaccine safer for broader use, researchers look for volunteers who are at high risk from COVID-19.
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November 6, 2020
christian county clerks office building
November 6, 2020
Days before the election, a positive COVID-19 case closes the courthouse
It's the third time a positive case has forced all or part of the courthouse to close.
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November 6, 2020
November 6, 2020
Circuit Judge John Atkins tests positive for COVID-19
The judge presides over hearings via Zoom, while he is in isolation at home.
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November 6, 2020
November 19, 2020
As cases surge, local health care workers stretched to their limits
Public health officials urge the public to take precautions to slow the spread of coronavirus so the health care system doesn't become more overwhelmed than it already is.
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November 19, 2020
November 19, 2020
Local government offices close, school district shifts to virtual instruction as cases surge
The changes are in response to an announcement from Gov. Andy Beshear regarding new, mandatory restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus.

The county's case total reaches 2,635 and the seven-day average reaches a new record high of 41.
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November 19, 2020
November 19, 2020
Retired educator Clyde Wallace is admitted to the ICU
As Wallace is being treated for coronavirus, his son shares his story to help people understand how dangerous the virus can be.
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November 19, 2020
November 20, 2020
Kentucky courts postpone all jury trials until February
The mandate is handed down from the Kentucky Supreme Court.
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November 20, 2020
alhambra_featured
November 21, 2020
Museum, Alhambra adjust operations
While events are postponed for at least a few weeks, both downtown institutions keep their gift shops open.
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November 21, 2020
November 21, 2020
State tells health departments, other local authorities to enforce Beshear’s new restrictions
Cases surge statewide as Kentucky confirms more than 3,000 new coronavirus cases for the third day in a row.
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November 21, 2020
November 24, 2020
Health department workers say they are afraid to enforce orders because of threats, abuse
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November 24, 2020
dining table distanced
November 25, 2020
Many host smaller Thanksgiving celebrations as the county's seven-day COVID-19 average grows to 42.6
Meanwhile, volunteers prepare 500 Thanksgiving meals to hand out at Aaron McNeil and Salvation Army.
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November 25, 2020
covid-19 testing site
November 30, 2020
Health department begins offering rapid COVID-19 testing
The rapid test is recommended for people who have symptoms of coronavirus infection.
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November 30, 2020
November 30, 2020
Christmas parade and other holiday events canceled
In light of an escalation in COVID-19 cases and state recommendations, officials decide to put the celebrations on hold for a year.
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November 30, 2020
December 1, 2020
Superintendent urges community to address virus surge to get students back in schools
CCPS Superintendent Chris Bentzel agrees that large gatherings such as Christmas parties in homes could further elevate the virus's spread and prolong virtual learning for students.
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December 1, 2020
December 2, 2020
Friends, family mourn death of retired educator Clyde Wallace from COVID-19
Wallace, who began teaching in the early 1970s and retired as an assistant superintendent, had been hospitalized for two weeks.
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December 2, 2020
December 6, 2020
Hopkinsville restaurant continues tent service after health department suspends permit
The dispute follows Gov. Andy Beshear’s executive order halting inside restaurant dining through Dec. 13.
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December 6, 2020
Hopkinsville Police Department
December 7, 2020
Police investigating threat against county health official
The alleged threat was made in a comment to a Facebook post about a Hopkinsville restaurant losing its food service permit in a dispute about coronavirus regulations.
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December 7, 2020
December 11, 2020
Jennie Stuart issues letter of concern to the community regarding COVID-19
The letter pleads with the public to take extra measures to be diligent in the fight against coronavirus in order to avoid a "situation where hospitals are full."
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December 11, 2020
December 12, 2020
Customers continue tent dining after health officials reinstate restaurant’s permit
Carry-out customers dine on boxed meals inside The Village Restaurant's parking lot tent at Canton Street and Navajo Trail.
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December 12, 2020
December 12, 2020
As virus surges, Lexington hospitals ask non-COVID patients to avoid ER
Representatives from three hospitals in Lexington urge residents to avoid using emergency departments for non-symptomatic COVID-19 testing.
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December 12, 2020
December 16, 2020
Federal data show Jennie Stuart under ‘extreme stress’ from COVID-19
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December 16, 2020
December 18, 2020
Health department issues isolation order for ‘Nutcracker’ dancer who performed after testing positive for COVID-19
The Pennyroyal Arts Council helped the health department by emailing parents of the other dancers to make them aware someone in the ballet had tested positive for the virus.
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December 18, 2020
December 21, 2020
Courthouse closes for the fourth time after county clerk employee tests positive for virus
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December 21, 2020
jennie stuart medical center vaccine administration
December 23, 2020
Jennie Stuart, health department receives first COVID-19 vaccine shipment
Jennie Stuart Health receives 500 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and distribution begins among its frontline workers.
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December 23, 2020
December 28, 2020
Data show COVID-19 strain on Jennie Stuart
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December 28, 2020
basketball shot
December 28, 2020
Limited attendance outlined for Christian County winter sporting events
Only parents and guardians will be allowed to attend basketball games and swim meets.
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December 28, 2020
covid-19 vaccine
December 31, 2020
Local health care workers urged to take COVID-19 vaccine
Only about a quarter of hospital employees and affiliated providers have signed up to receive the vaccine.
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December 31, 2020
January 2, 2021
CCHS boys basketball season delayed
The decision comes after a player tests positive for COVID-19.
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January 2, 2021
January 4, 2021
COVID-19 hospitalizations at Jennie Stuart reach record high
After spiking over the weekend, the number of patients being treated for COVID-19 at Jennie Stuart Medical Center reached a record high of 36.
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January 4, 2021
January 4, 2021
Health department opens up vaccine requests for those 70 and older
Previously, frontline health workers and long-term care residents were the only residents with access to the vaccine.
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January 4, 2021
January 5, 2021
Christian County schools delay return to in-person instruction
Following an earlier decision to return on Jan. 6, the school board decides to delay the return to in-person instruction until Jan. 11.
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January 5, 2021
January 6, 2021
White House report says anyone who gathered over holidays should be tested for COVID-19
A recent fast spread of the coronavirus raises fears that the U.S. has developed a more contagious strain.
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January 6, 2021
January 8, 2021
CCPS again delays return to in-person instruction
The district cites the recent surge of coronavirus cases, capacity limits at Jennie Stuart Medical Center and 82 virus cases and quarantines of CCPS staff.
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January 8, 2021
January 9, 2021
Christian County's seven-day average of COVID-19 casses reached record high
At the peak of the pandemic, local health officials confirmed an average of 71.1 new coronavirus cases per day over a one-week span. The county's case total grows to 4,898.
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January 9, 2021
January 11, 2021
COVID-19 hospitalizations reach all-time high
The seven-day average of COVID-19 hospitalizations reaches 41 — an all-time high.

According to federal data, Jennie Stuart's COVID-19 occupancy in the ICU and across the entire hospital reaches dangerously high levels.
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January 11, 2021
January 11, 2021
James E. Bruce Convention Center selected as regional vaccine distribution site
The Hopkinsville clinic — one of 33 regional sites in Kentucky — will administer the Moderna vaccine.
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January 11, 2021
chris bentzel receives vaccine
January 12, 2021
Local school staff are offered COVID-19 vaccine
Approximately 65% signed up for the vaccine, but less than half of school staff initially receive an immunization.
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January 12, 2021
January 16, 2021
County's seven-day average plummets
After reaching a record-high of 71.7, Christian County's seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases falls to 37.9 in six days.
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January 16, 2021
January 19, 2021
Christian County Public Schools return to in-person instruction
All students are required to wear masks, social distance when possible and follow all other Healthy at School guidelines. Sports and extracurricular activities also resume.
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January 19, 2021
January 19, 2021
Jennie Stuart’s COVID-19, ICU numbers grow, despite overall drop in hospitalizations
Despite a drop in total hospitalizations at Jennie Stuart, the average number of patients with COVID-19 and patients being treated in the hospital’s intensive care unit were up.
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January 19, 2021
January 22, 2021
Some residents begin receiving 2nd vaccine dose
Health care workers who were among the first in the county to receive the COVID-19 vaccine started getting their second doses of a two-part immunization.

Shortages and guideline changes raise concerns. 

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January 22, 2021
January 25, 2021
Gov. Andy Beshear recognizes 48-year-old Hopkinsville woman who died of COVID-19
Tara Felice Mahone, a court designated worker in Christian County, was the youngest child of City Councilwoman Patricia Waddell-Bell.
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January 25, 2021
January 26, 2021
Library closes after employee tests positive for COVID-19
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January 26, 2021
January 27, 2021
Sportsplex reopens on a limited basis
The sportsplex had been closed since Nov. 9, when city officials suspended most indoor recreation activities.
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January 27, 2021
January 29, 2021
Kentucky launches website, hotline to help residents determine vaccine eligibility
The new resources are designed to help Kentuckians determine when they are eligible for the vaccine and where they can get it.
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January 29, 2021
January 29, 2021
Council to meet virtually after city hall employees test positive for COVID-19
Members of the public who want to address the council about community issues are offtered the option to call in during the livestreamed session.
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January 29, 2021
January 31, 2021
Library extends closure after more employees test positive for COVID-19
Members of the public who want to address the council about community issues are offtered the option to call in during the livestreamed session.
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January 31, 2021
January 31, 2021
81 new COVID-19 cases confirmed
As health officials confirm the fourth-largest number of single-day cases, the county's seven-day average grows from 40.5 to 48.5. The case average continues to slowly decline from the peak via a series of ups and downs.
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January 31, 2021
February 8, 2021
Dip in COVID-19 hospitalizations suggests reprieve for Jennie Stuart
While the hospital's COVID-19 patient occupancy is the lowest it has been in two months, data suggests Jennie Stuart is still under stress from the coronavirus pandemic.
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February 8, 2021
February 12, 2021
After nearly 2 months of being hospitalized with COVID-19, Molly Duke goes home
Duke was among the nearly 6,000 Christian County residents who have contracted COVID-19.
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February 12, 2021
February 22, 2021
Local group encourages Black residents to get COVID-19 vaccine
Across the country, public health officials and advocacy groups — like Hopkinsville's Modernette Civic Club — try to boost COVID-19 vaccination rates among Black residents in their communities.
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February 22, 2021
February 24, 2021
Christian County makes vaccines available to residents 60 and older
The total number of seniors 70 and older vaccinated by the Christian County Health Department grows to nearly 3,800
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February 24, 2021
covid-19 testing site
March 2, 2021
Health department closes COVID-19 test site at Tie Breaker Park
Local officials decide to close the drive-thru site because fewer people were using it.
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March 2, 2021
senior being vaccinated
March 3, 2021
Christian County begins offering COVID-19 vaccine to all of Phase 1C
The phase includes anyone 60 and older, anyone age 16 or older with the highest-risk conditions per guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, and all essential workers.
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March 3, 2021
March 6, 2021
County's COVID-19 average drops to lowest level in 9 months
Following several days of single-digit reports from the health department, Christian County's seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases dips to 5 — the lowest it has been since July 7.
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March 6, 2021
March 8, 2021
CDC issues new guidance that fully vaccinated people can gather with one another without masks
Masks and social distancing are still recommended when going out in public.
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March 8, 2021
March 15, 2021
Medicare-certified nursing homes open to visitors
Potential visitors are encouraged to get vaccinated. Those who aren't will be required to have a negative test within 72 hours of the visit.
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March 15, 2021
March 18, 2021
Hopkinsville business owner Tom Bell joins statewide campaign to encourage Black residents to get vaccinated
The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky and the Kentucky Nurses Association coordinated the campaign.
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March 18, 2021
March 19, 2021
Readers share how they’ve adapted over the last year
One year after the first case of COVID-19 was identified in Christian County, Hoptown Chronicle readers reflect on how the coronavirus pandemic continues to reshape their lives.
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March 19, 2021
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Julia Hunter is the engagement editor for Hoptown Chronicle. Reach her at julia@hoptownchronicle.org.

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