103 cases and climbing, more businesses have to close

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – Kentucky now has at least 103 confirmed cases of coronavirus and with more labs beginning to test, the number will continue to grow faster than the public likes sometimes, Gov. Andy Beshear said Sunday evening in his daily briefing.

The governor also expanded the number and kinds of “non-essential businesses” that must close by 8 p.m. Monday.

The University of Kentucky lab is one of the latest two to join the testing, pushing the number to nine in the state.

The increasing number of labs, in addition to pushing up the number of cases faster, also makes it more difficult for the state to immediately report where cases are based. So far, more than 2,000 tests have been done and the average age of the positive tests is 53.3 years old and the percentage of patients having to be placed in ICU is at about 6 percent which is low, the governor said.

According to the governor, the new cases are in several counties, including Fayette, Jefferson, Henderson, Hardin and Christian.

The overnor said the state still hopes to have a new phone number set up this week to report potential violators of orders and recommendations to close or later business practices. The state hotline — 1-800-722-5725 — is getting about 2,400 calls a day, he said.

The governor also expanded the kind of non-essential businesses that must be closed by 8 p.m. Monday. Grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, and auto dealers, are among those that can remain open.

So can liquor stores.

Non-essential businesses, which are listed on the state’s web site, should convert to delivery, curbside pickup, and phone/online orders.