Gov. Andy Beshear on Wednesday highlighted new CARES Act funding for local governments, tips for staying safe on Memorial Day weekend, and updated case numbers for the state.
CARES funding to City and County governments
Beshear announced a $300 million award to city and county governments as part of the CARES Act, which established the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) to reimburse local governments for expenses incurred in response to the public health emergency caused by COVID-19.
These funds will be administered by the Department for Local Government (DLG) and can be used for reimbursements of expenses necessary to comply with public health guidelines and protect Kentuckians. The funding will be allocated to city and county governments based on approximate population size as recorded in the most recent census data.
Eligible reimbursements may include but are not limited to the purchase of personal protective equipment; expenses for food delivery to nursing homes and vulnerable populations; improvements necessary for public employees to telework; expenses for disinfection of public spaces and facilities; and payroll expenses.
To apply, eligible local governments with COVID-19-related expenses must complete an application with expense documentation, which will be available on the DLG website Thursday. For a detailed list of eligible expenses and guidelines, visit the U.S. Department of Treasury’s website.
“Local governments have been instrumental in the fight against COVID-19 and are a lifeline in our local communities,” said Gov. Beshear. “During this fight, they have sacrificed so much to protect others by supplying PPE, enforcing guidelines, keeping the public informed and looking out for our most vulnerable. This funding will help them better protect all Kentuckians.”
Memorial Day weekend
As people celebrate together this weekend and heading into the summer season, Beshear and state health officials are asking all Kentuckians to keep gatherings to 10 or fewer people.
Basic guidelines include remembering to limit touching your face and staying six feet apart from those not in your household as much as possible.
Other guidance includes wearing masks, gathering outside instead of indoors, washing hands frequently, covering food and individually wrapping plates.
Case information
Beshear said there were at least 8,167 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 166 of which were newly confirmed Wednesday. He also reported 10 new deaths Wednesday, raising the total to 376 Kentuckians lost to the virus. At least 2,919 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus.
For additional information, including up-to-date lists of positive cases and deaths, as well as breakdowns of coronavirus infections by county, race and ethnicity, click here.
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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.
