During Wednesday’s Daily COVID-19 Update, Governor Andy Beshear announced 184 new cases and 10 new deaths in Kentucky.

This bring the total number of Kentuckians who have contracted the virus to at least 4,539. The death toll is now at 235, though 1,668 people have recovered from the virus.
The Kentucky River District Health Department announced nine new COVID-19 cases spread across Perry, Knott and Leslie Counties. Three additional cases were also reported in Pike County.

Governor Andy Beshear also unveiled his plan for the first phase of reopening some businesses in Kentucky.

The first phase begins on May 11. It allows the re-opening of manufacturing, construction, vehicle or vessel dealerships, professional services (at 50 percent compacity), horse racing (with no fans in attendance) and dog grooming and boarding businesses.

That phase continues to May 20, at that time retail businesses are able to reopen and houses of worship may also resume in-person services, though capacity must be limited.

The first phase concludes on May 25, at that time 10-person social gatherings, barbers, salons, cosmetology businesses and similar services are able to reopen.

Though the governor added that all aspects of the first phase “are subject to pause.”

Not included in that phase were restaurants, daycares, public pools and summer camps.

It was not mentioned when the second phase will begin, nor what will be included in that phase. Though Governor Beshear did state that he is working to see if daycares can open up sometime in June.

If you have any questions about the coronavirus in Kentucky, you can call the state’s COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-722-5725. You can also find more information, including how to protect you and your family, by visiting Kentucky’s official COVID-19 website.