FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Gov. Andy Beshear reported nearly 160 additional coronavirus cases in Kentucky on Wednesday, slightly less than half the previous day’s count that was inflated by an outbreak at a prison.
The newest 159 virus cases raised the statewide total to more than 5,930 cases since the pandemic began. Beshear reported eight virus-related deaths Wednesday, bringing the total death count to at least 283 in Kentucky. More than 2,120 people in Kentucky have recovered from the virus, he said.
On Tuesday, Beshear reported more than 620 new coronavirus cases statewide - a one-day high in Kentucky. The sudden escalation stemmed from the outbreak at Green River Correctional Complex in western Kentucky, as well as some tests from previous days being counted, he said Wednesday.
The governor said the lower number of new cases Wednesday reinforced his belief that “we are pretty stabilized and pretty plateaued about where we are here in the commonwealth.”
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up within weeks. For some, especially older adults and those with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, even death.
The second phase of resuming health care procedures started Wednesday in Kentucky. The newest phase covers outpatient and ambulatory surgeries, said Dr. Steven Stack, the state’s public health commissioner.
“This means that same-day or procedures that last less than 24 hours can be performed in ambulatory surgical centers and hospitals and other facilities,” Stack said.
Patients must be screened for COVID-19 before the surgeries, he said.
The resumption of health care services comes at a time when some Kentucky hospitals are struggling financially because of the pandemic. Several hospitals announced layoffs or furloughs in response to declines in patient care volumes and surgery revenue amid the health crisis.
The state’s first phase of resuming medical services applied to health care clinics and medical offices, physical therapy and chiropractic offices, optometrists and dental offices.
Meanwhile, Beshear announced changes to the state’s travel restrictions in an effort to comply with a recent court ruling. A federal judge ruled that the virus-related restrictions were unconstitutional but noted that “minor amendments to the regulations might alleviate the problems.”
Beshear said Wednesday that his new order mirrors the policy in a neighboring state.
“Basically, the court said, ‘We think Ohio’s is fine. We think yours should be more like Ohio’s.’ So we’ve issued one today that’s exactly like Ohio’s. That’s what the court says will work. That’s what we’ll do,” Beshear said.
Beshear’s new order continues to ban anyone with a positive or presumptively positive case of COVID-19 from entering Kentucky, except as ordered for medical treatment, his office said in a release. It also keeps in place social distancing requirements on public transportation. Those traveling from out of state into Kentucky and staying are asked to self-quarantine for 14 days.
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