Commemorating the first case of COVID-19 in Kentucky four-years-later

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) — As we commemorate Kentucky’s first COVID case in the commonwealth, that happened in Cynthiana, and Wednesday was a day of reflection in Frankfort.

“We have lost nearly 20,000 Kentuckians and nearly 1.2 million Americans to to COVID-19,” said Dr. Steven Stack, who recalled doing daily briefings with the Governor.

From the governor recalling those daily briefings, to those who have experienced COVID first hand sharing stories and memories.

“I was on oxygen 24 hours a day during my entire recovery period. It took a long time for me to get well. But COVID lost and I won with life,” recalled LeRoy Mitchell of Kappa Alpha Psi, who suffered from COVID and also lost a family member.

The commemoration also reminded Kentuckians of a prominent figure during those briefings, Virginia Moore, the ASL interpreter for Gov. Beshear.

“Virginia was an outstanding advocate for this community. She also helped to spark a national movement of inclusion of ASL interpreters at government briefings,” added Dr. Stack.

One of the attendees, Row Holloway, Virginia Moore’s partner.

“10 months ago today, Virginia passed away from complications of heart surgery that they said was caused a by virus, most likely COVID, she had two valves fail. And once they did the surgery, they just couldn’t get her back. Her kidneys failed and she chose not to live that way anymore and came off of everything because she wanted to be an advocate for herself,” recalled Holloway, on Virginia’s passing.

“This time has not been and will not be defined by the grief and the loss alone. Along with the selflessness and sacrifice of our healthcare heroes and our first responders we depended on the compassion and the deep goodness of our fellow Kentuckians,” added Gov. Beshear.