FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Now that he’s become infected with the coronavirus, President Donald Trump needs to set a “better example” during the pandemic, and he should start by always wearing a mask in public, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said Monday.
Faced with surging numbers of COVID-19 cases in his state, Beshear urged Kentuckians to accept any inconvenience from donning facial coverings to do their part to contain the virus.
The Democratic governor said he’s looking to the Republican president to belatedly lead by example after Trump’s positive test for the virus last week led to his hospitalization.
“There’re some areas where we need a better example from the president,” Beshear said at a news conference. “First, I’ve been begging for months to have this president wear a mask in public. I sure hope now we see that now, every day, all the time when he’s not up speaking.”
Trump remains popular across much of Kentucky, and Beshear typically has been reluctant to criticize the president. But the governor didn’t hold back in admonishing Trump for his decision to briefly venture out in a motorcade Sunday to salute cheering supporters.
“He violated quarantine and isolation,” Beshear said. “You can’t do that.”
Trump said Monday he’s leaving the military hospital where he has been receiving treatment. Beshear said he’s concerned the president was leaving “too early for his own health.”
Kentucky reported its record number of coronavirus cases last week - more than 6,120, breaking the previous high set the prior week, the governor said. If current trends continue, Kentucky faces a “difficult” fall and winter in battling the virus, he warned.
“Increased cases lead to increased deaths,” Beshear said.
The governor again urged people to wear masks, socially distance and follow other health guidelines to contain the virus’ spread.
“Now’s our test: a test of values, a test of faith,” he said. “Are we willing to live for other people? Wearing a mask is inconvenient at most. Are we willing to accept inconvenience to protect life, to protect our economy and to get our kids in school? That’s our choice.
“Or are we willing to say that we shouldn’t have to go through any inconvenience?” he added. “And because we don’t see people suffering from COVID, because they’re either in their home or in the hospital, that we’re not going to respond appropriately.”
Beshear warned that a continued escalation of cases could lead to another round of restrictions.
“If we can’t stop this escalation here in the next few weeks … then the White House is going to recommend changes in capacity for various businesses, and we’re going to have to take a very serious look at it,” he said.
It also will mean fewer schools open for in-person instruction, the governor said.
Meanwhile, the state reported 543 new coronavirus cases - surpassing recent case counts on Mondays, when case numbers are generally lower because many labs are closed on Sundays. Kentucky’s total number of COVID-19 cases is now more than 73,000. Beshear also reported five more virus-related deaths, raising the statewide death toll to at least 1,214.
The state’s closely watched positivity rate - a seven-day rolling figure reflecting the average number of tests coming back positive for the virus - was 4.69%.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks. But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause severe symptoms and be fatal. The vast majority of people recover.
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