McCreary free testing day

 

By Greg Bird
birdman@tmcvoice.com

As confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Lake Cumberland District Health Department have dropped, overall cases in Kentucky continue to rise, but at a slower pace, indicating the state may have reached the turning point in its battle against the coronavirus.
As of Wednesday morning the LCDHD reported three new cases in the 10-county district, but also announced five more individuals have been released from self-isolation – meaning there are only 7 active cases in the District. Three of those cases are in Pulaski County, three in Taylor County and one in Russell County. Adair County, which had 96 cases – mostly due to an outbreak in a nursing home facility – now has zero active cases as of this week. 77 of the patients in Adair have been released from self-isolation and 19 of the District’s 25 total deaths came from Adair.
Kentucky cases increased to 8,951, a gain of 881 cases since last week – the smallest weekly increase since April. That total includes 141 cases reported Sunday, 122 cases reported Monday and 117 cases reported Tuesday.
“These are some of the lowest daily numbers we have seen,” Governor Andy Beshear said. “But that is fragile, and with a disease that can so easily spread we have to want and put into action our desire to see that downward movement.”
Gov. Beshear continued to encourage Kentuckians to get tested for COVID-19.
The recommended per capita testing rate is 100 per 100,000 population. In the seven days ending Tuesday, the daily average of Kentuckians tested per 100,000 residents was significantly higher at 138.
Information on how to register at more than 70 sites throughout the commonwealth can be found at kycovid19.ky.gov.
On Wednesday the McCreary County Fiscal Court, the Lake Cumberland Health Department and the South Fork Medical Clinic held a free testing day for residents with hundreds of people taking advantage of the testing.
Several other doctor’s offices and clinics in McCreary County are offering testing as well.
28 new deaths due to the virus were reported over the last week, bringing the total in Kentucky to 394.
As June approaches, more and more ordered closures and bans have begun to lift, paving the way to reopen the state’s economy.
Friday saw the expiration of the travel ban enacted by Governor Andy Beshear, as well as the date restaurants can re-open their dining areas, but those were limited to maintaining 33-percent capacity for the time being. Other openings scheduled include movie theaters and fitness centers on June 1, campgrounds on June 11, and child care centers on June 15. The child care facilities must operate at reduced capacity.
Last week retail and houses of worship were allowed to re-open in a limited capacity. On Monday barbers, salons, cosmetology businesses and similar services were allowed to open while following strict guidelines.
With the openings the Governor continues to urge caution when going out in public and all businesses should follow the 10 rules of staying healthy at work as well as industry-specific guidance issued by the Governor’s Office.
Phase 3 of the governor’s plan for re-opening the state’s economy is slated for July 1, with allocations for bars to open (with limitations) and allowing for gatherings of up to 50 people.
The Governor also announced the re-opening of the Frankfort Regional Driver Licensing Office with limited services.

The services at the Frankfort office are limited to residents who meet one of the following criteria: replacement of a lost license, obtaining a license or ID needed for employment or emergency, new residents replacing an out-of-state credential, new applicants who have successfully completed the KSP driver testing and renewal of a license that expired prior to March 18, 2020.
All other licenses that expired after that date have been automatically extended for 90 days.
The office, located at 200 Metro Street in Frankfort, will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Qualifying applicants can make appointments online at realidky.com. A limited number of stations will be available for walk-ins.