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FRANKFORT – Gov. Andy Beshear updated Kentuckians Monday on the state’s continuing efforts to combat the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
“Due to the increase in positive cases that we are seeing and with the weeks that are likely to come, we are going to need to listen and know that we are going to get over this and that we are going to get over this. together, ”said the governor. “If current trends continue, it will be a difficult fall and a difficult winter, but I think we have an opportunity to improve our situation. One of the best ways we do it is to wear a mask. “
‘The 4 rapids at 4’
Governor Beshear on Monday highlighted a variety of issues of importance to Kentuckians and the Commonwealth.
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National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Today, Governor Beshear highlighted National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time set aside to recognize survivors of domestic violence and be a voice for victims.“Domestic violence affects both men and women of all races, religions, cultures, and status,” the governor said. “Domestic violence victimization has far-reaching and long-term health effects. Children and youth exposed to domestic violence experience emotional, mental and social damage that can affect their growth and development. “
The governor said that while Kentucky has moved forward, the state’s domestic violence rate remains higher than the national average. In response, the Kentucky State Police has hired 16 victim advocates, one for each KSP position across the state, to provide support services and resources to those in need. KSP’s Victim Advocate Support Services program has helped 1,058 people since its launch in 2019.
Additionally, since 2018, the Kentucky Cabinet of Justice and Public Safety has awarded $ 28.8 million to agencies dealing with domestic violence across the state. Of that, more than $ 19 million went directly to domestic violence shelters.
“Kentucky domestic violence programs and shelters are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are safe for survivors and their families to receive emergency shelter and support services,” said the Governor. “Kentucky’s 15 regional domestic violence programs provided shelter and services to nearly 23,000 survivors and their children in fiscal year 2019.”
He added that the threat of the coronavirus has not stopped Kentucky services in this crucial area.
“COVID-19 should not be a deterrent for individuals and families in need of support,” he said. “Kentucky shelters never closed during the COVID outbreak and have adopted procedures to keep families safe.”
Get help for yourself or someone else by calling 800-799-SAFE or visiting KCADV.org.
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Governor Beshear relaunches kynect
Taking a major step forward in his commitment to providing quality health care to Kentucky residents, Governor Beshear announced Monday that the state has reconnected kynect to provide easier access to health coverage and other benefits.Governor Beshear said the new kynect offers expanded benefits, improved usability, a new mobile-friendly format, and helps prepare the Commonwealth for the return of the state exchange, scheduled to enroll in 2021 to begin the exchange in January 202. it is expected to save Kentuckians about $ 15 million a year.
“Even as the state continues to fight the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we remain committed to moving the state forward on important initiatives, including expanding access to health care,” the Governor said. “All members of Team Kentucky must have health care, it is a basic human right. Now that kynect is back, it’s easier for Kentucky residents to access the benefits they need to be able to afford to see a doctor and get the care they deserve. “
For more information and to view the full press release, click here.
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Vote
Governor Beshear continues to urge Kentuckians to make a plan to vote. On Monday, he reminded Kentucky residents of the upcoming deadlines before the November 3 general election and preparations to keep poll workers and voters safe.“The deadline for voter registration was today, so I hope that everyone who was not registered will come out and do so,” the governor said. Go vote. It is a fundamental principle of democracy. “
The deadline to register online to vote in the 2020 General Election passed at 4 p.m. local time on October 5. Registered voters have until October 9 to request an absentee ballot. After that, early voting in person begins on October 1. More information is available on the state’s Online Voter Information Portal.
Additionally, more than 190,000 Kentucky residents have regained their voting rights due to the executive order that Governor Beshear signed days after taking office. These Kentucky residents, convicted of non-violent and non-sexual felonies, who have paid their debts to society through completed sentences, can fully participate in our democracy. Visit CivilRightsRestoration.ky.gov to verify your eligibility.
Governor Beshear and Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams created a bipartisan plan that allows multiple ways to vote. But during a pandemic, voting in person still presents challenges. On Monday, Governor Beshear said donations have been received to provide poll workers across the Commonwealth with the personal protective equipment (PPE) they will need on November 1.
At last count, poll worker donations included 46,000 gloves, 160,000 masks, 13,000 gallons of hand sanitizer, and 28,000 face shields.
“This is how our voices are finally heard. I want to have a record turnout here in Kentucky, ”Governor Beshear said. “If we do, we should make all these changes permanent. Let’s have that record participation. “
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Kentucky Mask!
Governor Beshear also emphasized the continued importance of everyone wearing face coverings, calling it the most important thing we can all do to fight COVID-19.“This is our biggest and most important tool to get back to everything we want to do,” said the Governor. “Do the right thing: mask.”
He also encouraged Kentuckians to spread the word on social media using the hashtags #MaskUpKY and #MaskUpKentucky. The governor also highlighted a new contest. For Kentucky residents using the hashtags, they will receive a #TeamKY mask if their post is featured as part of the Governor’s daily press conference at 4pm.
Unfortunately, Governor Beshear said the growing number of cases will prompt a government response unless and until Kentucky residents control growth.
“We can’t have repeats of last week. Last week was our highest week in terms of positive cases, ”said the Governor. “The week before had been the highest week and we broke that record.”
Governor Beshear said he would focus this week on stepping up enforcement of regulations put in place to protect Kentuckians during the coronavirus crisis. Businesses should not serve customers who refuse to wear a mask, the governor said.
“I think we have to do better and we can do better,” said the governor. “While it has been challenging, when you look at almost any comparison across the country, the Kentucky team has done an incredible job.”
Case information: Monday, October 5
At 4 p.m. on Oct. 5, Governor Beshear said there were at least 73,158 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 543 of which were recently reported Monday. Sixty-nine of the recently reported cases were in children 18 years of age or younger, of which nine were children age 5 and younger. The youngest was only 1 month old.
“I think it’s the highest Monday, certainly in the last four weeks and by an appreciable amount,” the governor said.
Unfortunately, Governor Beshear reported five new deaths on Monday, bringing the total to 1,214 Kentucky residents lost to the virus.
The deaths reported Monday include a 69-year-old Boyd County man; an 85-year-old man and two women, ages 91 and 99, from Daviess County; and a 71-year-old man from Robertson County.
“More cases equal more deaths,” said the governor. “If we are more informal, instead of more urgent, we will lose more family and friends. It’s hard because you can’t see it, but it happens. If we are not strong, other people usually pay for it. Let’s be strong. “
As of Monday, at least 1,539,707 coronavirus tests have been conducted in Kentucky. The positivity rate was 4.69% and at least 12,445 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus.
For additional information, including updated lists of positive cases and deaths, as well as breakdowns of coronavirus infections by county, race, and ethnicity, click here. To see all recent daily reports, click here.
Information on COVID-19 and schools is also provided. To view the reports, click here for K-12 and here for colleges and universities.
Case Information – Sunday, October 4
Due to limited reporting on weekends, updated information is now available as of Sunday, October 4.
As of Sunday, 1,531,072 coronavirus tests were conducted in Kentucky. The positivity rate was 4.76%, and at least 12,178 Kentuckians had recovered from the virus.
For a detailed overview of the coronavirus case information for Sunday, October 4, it can be found in the daily reports section at kycovid19.ky.gov
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