Numbers put state on verge of more restrictions; contract extended for UI work

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – Kentucky is on the verge of having to re-instate some coronavirus-related restrictions on businesses and residents after another near-record day of new cases.

Gov. Andy Beshear stressed the seriousness of the situation after announcing 797 new cases — the second highest one-day total — and a positive test rate that topped the 5 percent threshold to 5.28 percent.

“We know what we need to do, we just have to have the will,” Beshear said during his daily briefing, emphasizing that action likely would come Monday unless the weekend numbers indicate some stabilization.

When asked again later about the coming weekend and potential action Monday, he said, “If we don’t see” some improvement by Monday, “yes, we will have to take additional steps.”

Those actions likely would include shutting bars down, reducing capacity from 50 percent back to 25 percent at restaurants and other retailers, and urging schools to delay opening until late August or opening with online instruction.

“The decision will be data driven,” he added, citing the continued high numbers the state has seen in the last two weeks and the positive test rate climbing above 5 percent, which is the level where the White House has suggested states start curbing re-opening efforts.

Beshear lamented a few bars may be hurting the entire industry by not enforcing or following safety and health rules.

“Sadly, I am afraid a few” may hurt many who are trying to do it right, he said.

“You are shutting yourself down,” he said.

The governor said he had conversations Friday and earlier in the week with faith leaders about the increase and ways they could help. That includes reverting to online or drive-up services for at least the next two weeks.

Those that stick with in-person services should “double down,” he said on such things as cleaning, enforcing the wearing of masks and social distancing.

He emphasized the discussions did not mean an order is in place or was likely to come.

“We are trying to talk to as many groups as we can to try to stop the spread,” he stated.

The 797 new cases pushed the state’s total to 25,931 since early March. The new cases include 19 children under the age of 5, with one of those a 1-month-old girl in Laurel County. The number of children testing positive is growing steadily.

The number of people in the hospital — 618 — and in ICU — 130 — both continue to edge up. Those numbers, along with the positive test rate, are watched closely as barometers of whether the virus is spreading rapidly, stabilizing or declining.

“We absolutely have to stop” the trends,” Beshear said of the numbers, noting, “We are seeing more than we ever imagined.”

The briefing announced seven new deaths, bringing the total to 691. The deaths were in Oldham, Jefferson, Hardin, Boone and Warren counties.

Of the new cases, 206 were in Jefferson, 72 in Fayette, 23 in Bell, 17 in Harlan, 15 i Scott, 14 in Laurel, 12 in Shelby, 11 in Jessamine and 10 in Knox.

“We need to start seeing some impact of the masks and the other steps we’ve taken…it’s not just a requirement, it’s a duty,” the governor implored.

“Our reopening and our economy are tied to how well we do.”

In other news, the governor said the state has extended its contract with Ernst & Young accountants to continue to catch up on the state’s unemployment claims. The original $7.6 million contract began July 1 and so far, E&Y staff along with state workers, have caught up 56,000 old cases, which is 95 percent of their original task.

Most of the ones that remain are just awaiting explanation letters which can be “tedious” but will get done soon. People who still have cases outstanding or with issues with subsequent payments have been notified.

“They have exceeded expectation,” Beshear said, announcing the $4.4 million, five-week extension.

All of the contract is being paid for by federal CARES Act funding.

“We want to fully catch up on every case. We don’t eat to go through another period like the one we have been through,” Beshear added.

The addition weeks will allow additional state workers to be trained and help stay abreast the crush of applications still being filed or still on the books.