Beshear talks patience, perseverance ahead of Phase 1 reopening

Gov. Andy Beshear said Kentuckians must stay vigilant in the fight against the coronavirus as the state begins the first step toward reopening on Monday.

“The first step was a sacrifice,” Beshear said. “Now we have to plan and be patient. Last, we’ll need to persevere. This is going to be a challenge until a vaccine comes around, but I know our people are up for it.”

Unemployment insurance
The governor said those who applied for unemployment in March should expect to hear from somebody this week. Beshear said his administration is working hard to respond to the claims, which are greater than at any time in the state’s history.

Reopening for health care providers and facilities
Beginning Monday, the state will begin the gradual restart and reopening of Phase 1 health care services and facilities, although they will operate differently than they did before the outbreak of COVID-19. For full guidance on criteria for reopening and new best practices, click here.

“The virus sets the timing,” Beshear said. “While I think we have plateaued, we just have to make sure we take the next best right step. We need each and everyone’s best every single day. We must win. Every decision we make, lives are on the line. We could set ourselves back days or weeks without following guidance.”

Healthy at Work
The administration is continuing to update the state’s website, HealthyAtWork.ky.gov, to make the Phase 2 process for reopening businesses clear. Healthy at Work is based on criteria set by public health experts and advice from industry experts. Phase 1 is a state-readiness evaluation. Phase 2 is business-readiness evaluation. This phased approach will ensure the Commonwealth’s citizens can safely return to work while still protecting the most vulnerable Kentuckians.

Census update
Kentucky moved up to 15th place for response rates across the nation, with 55.9% completion. Kentuckians can fill out their Census at my2020census.gov or by phone at 844-330-2020.

Case information
As of Saturday afternoon, Beshear said there were at least 3,905 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 171 of which were newly confirmed.

Beshear also reported five new deaths Saturday, raising the state’s toll to 205 deaths related to the virus.

At least 1,501 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus.

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Click here for all of our coronavirus coverage.

The Owensboro Health coronavirus hotline is available 24/7 by calling 877-888-6647. Call the hotline before seeking in-person care. More information from OH can be found here.

For the latest information and data on COVID-19 in Kentucky visit kycovid19.ky.gov or dial the Kentucky state hotline at 800-722-5725.

For the latest health guidelines and resources from the CDC, visit their website here.