Despite a decidedly upward two-week trend, Gov. Andy Beshear said on Tuesday it will take more time to see if the increase is related to testing in long-term care facilities, where the state is seeing a bump in cases.
The state has reported 10,046 cases of the novel coronavirus, with 457 people currently hospitalized with COVID-19, including 90 in intensive care. At least 3,232 have recovered. The number of reported deaths stands at 439.
The rally came amid days of protests following the deaths of Taylor on March 13 in Louisville, and George Floyd, a black man brutally killed by police outside of Minneapolis last week.
Superintendents were told that because there will be no vaccine this year, and no treatment is likely to be widely used before school is fully underway, schools will have to rely on social distancing and other public-health measures to reduce the risk of infection.
Many employees don’t feel safe going back to work, and adding to the anxiety is the uncertainty about the enforcement of safety standards for businesses that are reopening.
The Republican leader said a Democratic "grab bag" that passed the House last week has no chance of passing in the Senate. That legislation would have given more aid to state and local governments, extended unemployment insurance, and funded another round of stimulus checks to individuals.
Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack urged all Kentuckians to wear a mask and encouraged those with divergent views to be respectful of each other, asking those who choose to not wear a mask to not ridicule those who do. Those who do wear one to protect themselves should give a wide berth to those who don't, he said.