Kentucky announced a plan on how school districts across the Commonwealth will release information about COVID-19 cases when students return to in-person instruction late next month.
During Tuesday’s briefing, Governor Andy Beshear says most school districts are following his recommendation to not start in-person instruction until at least Monday, September 28.
Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack adds they are working on a process to let the public know of positive test results.
Stack says this process will be a work in progress situation.
Additionally, the governor signed a proclamation, alongside Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman, declaring August 18 as the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment in Kentucky. The amendment to the Constitution allowed women the right to vote across the nation.
Also, Rocky Atkins, senior advisor to the governor, shared his family’s experience with COVID-19. Atkins’ father, who is 84-years old, tested positive and recently was transported to a nearby hospital and was transferred nearly two days later to the University of Kentucky Medical Center.
He adds his father will soon be at a rehab facility and is expected to make a full recovery.
He says Kentuckians need to band together to eliminate COVID-19.
Governor Beshear confirmed 627 new cases Tuesday, meaning over 40,000 people have tested positive for the virus in Kentucky. The state’s positivity rate now sits at 5.48%.
Also, 12 new deaths were reported, including an 89-year old male from Graves County.