On Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear detailed the state’s concerted efforts to combat COVID-19.
Gov. Beshear updated Kentuckians on new case numbers and Healthy at Work announcements.
Gov. Beshear also noted that he asked all Kentuckians to observe a moment of silence at 2 p.m. EDT to honor George Floyd as loved ones and leaders remembered him in Minneapolis. The Governor delayed his news conference Thursday until the memorial service concluded.
As of 4 p.m. June 4, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 10,705 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 295 of which were newly confirmed Thursday. Unfortunately, Gov. Beshear reported eight new deaths Thursday, raising the total to 458 Kentuckians lost to the virus.
The deaths reported Thursday include an 87-year-old woman from Boone County, a 72-year-old man from Franklin County, an 82-year-old man from Grayson County, a 92-year-old man from Kenton County, a 71-year old woman and 91- and 92-year-old men from Jefferson County and an 86-year-old woman from Metcalfe County.
At least 3,303 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus.
Responding to a reporter’s question about the statue of Jefferson Davis in the Capitol Rotunda, Gov. Beshear said Thursday that the statue has no place in the Capitol, which should be welcoming to all Kentuckians.
“I believe the statue of Jefferson Davis is a symbol that divides us. Even if there are those who think it’s a part of history, there should be a better place to put it in historical context,” Gov. Beshear said. “I don’t think it should be in the Capitol Rotunda.”
Davies was the president of the Confederate States – born through the secession of the South- and led the South against the North. He was never brought to trial and was soon released on bail on the Federal Government decision not to persecute him. He wrote The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government. He remained unrepentant of his actions and a proud Confederate until the day he died.
Races have been on hold at the Kentucky Speedway due to COVID-19, but they will return for the annual July weekend, which includes the 10th anniversary of the NASCAR Cup Series, Quaker State 400. The full schedule is:
- Thursday, July 9 – NASCAR Xfinity Series, Kentucky 300
- Friday, July 10 – NASCAR Xfinity Series, Alsco 300
- Saturday, July 11 – NASCAR Gander RV and Outdoors Truck Series, Buckle Up in Your Truck 225 (Sponsored by Transportation Cabinet, Department of Highway Safety to encourage seatbelt usage, especially in trucks)
- Sunday, July 12 – NASCAR Cup Series, Quaker State 400 Presented by Walmart
All four races will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1
These dates do not currently correspond with the dates on the Kentucky Speedway, NASCAR and Fox Sports websites. An announcement of date changes due to coronavirus is expected soon from NASCAR.
Gov. Beshear said that historical horse racing would begin June 8.
If you have any questions about the coronavirus in Kentucky, 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 here.