10:34 am
Governor Andy Beshear is having one update today regarding the coronavirus. Spectrum News 1 will carry it live beginning at 4:00 pm.
9:30 am School Closing Update
Lyon County Public Schools are closed until Monday, March 30. Non-traditional instruction for students will begin Monday, March 17.
8:50 am Various County Updates
Adair County
The Lake Cumberland Area Development District will be temporarily closing its Senior Citizens Centers for meals and activities served within the center. Anyone that receives home delivered meals will continue to receive those in the same manor. Those that are transported to the center will begin getting home delivered meals. Those that drive to the center, meals will be prepared and available with a time designated for pickup of those meals. Staff will be available to deliver the meals to your vehicle.
Allen County
The Cal Turner Rehab and and Specialty Care now has visitation limits by only allowing visitation when loved ones are receiving end of life care. To allow those people to still have communication with friends and family, the center is now doing digital calls on Zoom. Here is a statement from the Facebook page.
“This week has been especially hard for families with loved ones currently staying at Cal Turner Rehab & Specialty Care. Today, Zoom Communications video conferencing services were set up as a way for the residents & family members to visit with one another! A bright end to one incredibly difficult week!”
Ballard County
Ballard County Schools - Non-traditional instruction begins Monday, March 16. The feeding program will begin Tuesday, March 17 with home deliveries of breakfast, lunch and snack items.
Any student on a morning bus route will receive that at the site of the morning stop. Meal drop offs will be between 9 a.m. and noon every weekday. Snacks will be hung on mailboxes or set on porches to maintain social distancing.
Any child not on a bus route who does need a meal package is asked to contact Food Service Director Amber Hayes at 270-665-8400.
The district says parents should check the Ballard County Schools Facebook page Monday afternoon for more details on this meal plan. Parents and students should hear from their teachers by lunchtime Monday on the details of the new NTI plan.
Barren County
For non-emergency calls, an officer will contact the citizen to determine if an officer needs to respond to the scene. If the officer does not need to respond to the scene, but a report is needed, the officer will take the report over the phone. Should you encounter an office, they will ask you:
- Do you or anyone in your household have a fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath?”
- Have you been in contact with anyone you suspect has the coronavirus or has been out of the country within the last 30 days?
Also,
- All ride alongs are suspended until futher notice
- All fingerprinting at the station has been temporarily suspended
- All car seat installs have been temporarily suspended
Bath County
Gateway Early Head Start and Head Start in Bath County will be closed March 16 through April 5th due to recommendations from local, state and federal officials.
Boone County Boone County
The Florence Activity Center, mangaed by the YMCA, will be cloed starting Monday. The Senior Center staff can continue to be reached during regular business hours at 859-282-4061.
The Jeff Ruby Steaks Race will continue without spectators. Churchill Downs Incorporated announced the race scheduled for Saturday, March 14 at Turfway Park will only have essential staff in attendance. All remaining races in the Winter/Spring Meet will be spectator-free.
"The cold temperatures and wet conditions forecasted for Saturday would force spectators to indoor facilities at Turfway Park," officials said. "Due to the large number of people expected to attend and the density of the crowd these weather conditions would create, the ability to ensure safe social distancing, per recent public health guidelines, would be compromised."
Customers who had tickets will be refunded.
12:00 am Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The House approved legislation to provide direct relief to Americans suffering physically, financially and emotionally from the coronavirus pandemic. The action comes after President Donald Trump declared the outbreak a national emergency, freeing up money and resources to fight it, then threw his support behind the congressional package.
The aid package from Congress would provide free tests, sick pay for workers and bolster food programs. The legislation passed 363 to 40.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
8:46 pm Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray today signed an emergency order temporarily suspending certain regulatory restrictions on motor carriers engaged in delivering goods and services to assist with COVID-19 relief efforts.
The order will expedite the delivery of bottled water, food, water, medicine, fuel and other critical supplies. It also applies to vehicles engaged in response efforts in affected areas.
The order is effective March 13 through April 12 and may be extended, if needed. The order temporarily relieves commercial drivers from maximum driving times and weigh station stops if providing response to affected areas. In addition, the order authorizes the Transportation Cabinet’s Department of Vehicle Regulation to waive permit fees for overweight/over-dimensional vehicles.
6:02 pm Broadway in Louisville
The Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, after consulting with Governor Beshear's office, has decided to temporarily close the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts for a period of 30 days, March 14 thorugh April 12. This means Broadway in Louisville will postpone all performances of "Anastasia" set for March 17 through March 22.
Those holding tickets for the performances will be contacted by the Broadway series with more information. The remaining shows in this year's season are expected to go on as scheduled.
5:31 pm Southeastern Conference Athletics
The Southeastern Conference announced that all athletics are being suspended through at least April 15. As a result the University of Kentucky has announced ticket refund details.
Fans who bought tickets for baseball and softball games through the UK ticket office or Ticketmaster will automatically receive refunds based on the original form of payment. If you have questions, you can contact the UK ticket office at 1-800-928-2287, option #4.
5:26 pm Community Action Council
The Community Action Council of Lexington-Fayette, Bourbon, Harrison, and Nicholas counties announces it will close child development centers in 13 Kentucky counties effective Monday, March 16. Early head start and head start programs are being suspended for the foreseeable future.
5:18 pm UPDATE Governor Andy Beshear
The Harrison County patient has had two consecutive negative tests and has been released. There are now three labs running tests and so the overall numbers will take a day to get conclusive numbers.
At the state lab, 29 tests were performed Friday, 27 of those tests were negative, 1 was positive and 1 was inconclusive. The University of Louisvile lab performed eight tests and three of those were positive, but Governor Beshear could not confirm if those were three new patients or if it was just 1 new patient. Lab Corp tested and confirmed 1 patient in Montgomery County. He hopes to have a firm, finalized count Saturday. At this point it appears there are three new cases, but again that is not totally confirmed.
Beshear announced all of Kentucky’s 172 public school districts will close for at least 2 weeks starting next week.
The governor will have another update Saturday afternoon at 4 pm.
4:50 pm Louisville Zoo
Due to the coronavirus and recommendations from Mayor Greg Fischer and Governor Andy Beshear, certain programs and activities at the Louisville Zoo will be canceled. The Zoo remains open.
The Zoo's African OUtpost and Wild Burger restaurants will be closed through April 5. Lakeside smokehouse and other outdoor sdtands will serve snacks and beverages based on attendance and weather.
Programs that are suspended for now include Spring Break Camp, education outreaches, giraffe and lorikeet feedings.
The Wild Lights show is continuing as scheduled, but attendance each night will be limited to only 3,500 guest during a four-hour period to allow for social distancing.
4:49 pm UPDATE Louisville Metro's Office of Resilience and Community Services
Earlier Mayor Greg Fischer, D-Louisville, announced the Office of Resilience and Community Services would be providing frozen meals to those 60 and older. The meals will be available on a first-come, first-served basis from 10 am until Noon and each person is limited to one box and five frozen meals a week.
Here are the distribution locations:
- Mondays – Shawnee Community Center (607 S. 37th St., 40212)
- Tuesdays – Beechmont Community Center (205 Wellington Avenue, 40214)
- Wednesdays – Sun Valley Community Center (6505 Bethany Lane, 40272)
- Wednesdays – East Government Center (200 Juneau Drive, 40243)
- Thursdays – Wilderness Road Senior Center (8111 Blue Lick Road, 40219)
- Fridays – Arthur S Kling Center (219 W. Ormsby Ave., 40203)
“As we ask the community to engage in social distancing as a response to COVID-19, we know access to nutritional food will be a barrier for some in our community,” said Tameka Laird, Director of the Office of Resilience & Community Services. “That is why our office worked hard to ramp up efforts on our Metro March for Meals to help feed our older adults during this challenging time. We are grateful to Masterson’s Catering for stepping up to prepare these meals on short notice.”
4:40 pm Gary Allen Concert
The Gary Allan concert set for Friday, March 27 at BB&T Arena in Northern Kentucky has been postponed until Sunday, May 31. Tickets for the original show will be honored. For more information you can go to thebbtarena.com
4:33 pm Centre College
Centre College announced this afternoon it will continue with regular classes March 16 through March 20. The following week is Spring Break and it has been extended an extra week. The school will shift to online classes beginning Monday, April 6 and continue through the end of the semester. The last day of classes will be May 12, followed by finals.
The campus offices will remain open and the staff will be offered a flexible staff work. The school will have plans for moving out of residence halls soon. Not all students can return home during the extended break. They are being asked to contact the Office of Housing and Residence Life.
3:59 pm Covington Independent Public Schools
Covington Independent Public Schools are offering free meals at almost a dozen locations Monday through Friday on days that schools are closed.
Here is information about the program and the numbers you can call for more information.
3:40 pm Louisville Xtreme
Louisville's arena football team, the Louisville Xtreme, has decided to cancel its entire season.
"We did not want to cancel our season, however, this is a very unique situation that we are taking very seriously," said Victor Cole, GM of the Louisville Xtreme. "The well being of our players, coaches, staff, fans, and sponsors are of utmost importance to us."
Everyone who has purchased tickets to the inaugural game will receive refunds. The team plans to return in 2021.
3:36 pm President Trump Declares National Emergency
President Donald Trump declared a national emergency. This will free up billions to states and territories to fight coronavirus. Trump says emergency operation centers will be set up in every state. He has ordered all hospitals to initiate emergency preparedness plans. The declaration also clears the way to wave a number of rules including those limiting hospital stays and rules that would prevent doctors from practicing.
The president say there could be 5 million COVID-19 tests available within the month and said drive-thru tests could be made available to hard hit areas. Google is assisting with the drive-thru venture.
3:15 pm Montgomery County Health Department Reports New Patients
The Montgomery County Health Department is reporting one of its residents has tested postive for COVID-19. The health department says the individual is following all the guidelines and is in isolation at home. The state epidemiologist and the Montgomery County Health Department are contacting those the person came in contact with to let the know they may have been exposed.
Governor Andy Beshear is expected to have another update at 5:00 pm.
3:12 pm Kentucky State Board of Elections
The State Board of Elections announcing it has taken the first-steps to deal with the state's May 19, 2020 primary election.
All County Boards of Election are being asked to relocate polling places currently stationed in senior care facilities and/or senior community centers to more suitable locations. The Board of Elections will provide support and money to County Clerks to make sure voters are notified early of polling place changes.
“The State Board of Elections is working with partner organizations, including the CDC, DHS, and the Kentucky Department of Health, to ensure that we are providing up-to-date guidance and best practices to County Boards of Election as we move toward the May 19, 2020 Primary Election,” stated Jared Dearing, Executive Director of the State Board of Elections.
The Board has asked County Clerks to speak with senior care facilities and other at-risk populations regarding the availability of absentee voting due to age or illness to accomodate any potential inconveniences.
Dearing added, “This is a first step. The Board will continue to evaluate the best practices and standards in order to keep elections secure, while also protecting public health.”
3:06pm JCPS & FCPS Updates
Jefferson County Public Schools announced a testing update. SAT testing scheduled for Saturday, March 14 at Atherton High School has been canceled. The ACT test scheduled for April 4 at Waggener, Ballard, and PRP High Schools have been canceled as well.
Fayette County Public Schols also announced the SAT test scheduled for Saturday at Henry Clay High School has been canceled.
2:24pm Charter Communications
Charter Communications is doing its part to help keep people safe and connected.
Charter announced that beginning on Monday it will offer free broadband and wifi access for 60 days to families with elementary school or college students who do not already have a Spectrum subscription. The company is also waiving its installation fees for new subscribers.
In addition, Charter says it will open its more than half a million wifi hotspots across the country for public use.
The move comes after the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission urged internet providers to lower costs and boost speeds given that the Coronavirus is driving more people to go online for work, study as well as gather information.
Charter, the parent company of Spectrum News, operates in 41 states and services 29 million customers including health care facilities, first responders and government offices.
To enroll in the free broadband and wifi program, you can call 1-844-488-8395.
2:15 pm Kentucky American Water
Kentucky American Water announced today it will stop discontinuing service to those who haven't paid their bills and would reinstate service to those who have had services shut off. The company says customers need to be kept safe and that the moratorium will remain in place as long as necessary, but noted it would be evaluated. Services will be restored but it may take time. Anyone who had service turned off before March 12 will have their service restarted.
Kentucky American Water serves more than 490,000 customers in 12 different communities.
2:00 pm UK & UK HealthCare Update
University of Kentucky HealthCare provided an update this afternoon. One of the Fayette County patients is recovering at home. They continue to follow CDC guidelines when it comes to testing.
They also announced that if needed, they can handle patients that need to be quarantined. They have more than 900 beds and of those 100 or more could be used if a situation arose.
1:37 pm Louisville Parks and Recreation
In light of the coronavirus, Louisville Parks and Recreation will be taking steps to respond to the pandemic.
- All organized group activities, including classes, programs, volunteer projects, and athletic league games have been canceled through April 5.
- The Wilderness Louisville Senior Center will close Friday and remain closed through April 5.
- 13 community centers will remain open, however there will be limited staff and no programs or classes will be offered through April 5
- Locust Grove and Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing, will both remain open but will offer no programming or volunteer projects through April 5.
- No rentals for facilities or shelters will be taken through April 5. All rentals through April 5 will be canceled Friday. If you have a rental agreement, you can either get a refund or reschedule the date.
1:34 pm - Governor Andy Beshear and Attorney General Daniel Cameron
Governor Andy Beshear, D-Kentucky and Attorney General Daniel Cameron, R-Kentucky, issued a scam alert to Kentuckians in light of the coronavirus.
To capitalize on people's fears and health concerns, online scammers may set up fake websites, send emails, texts, or social media posts to sell fake products claiming to cure COVID-19.
“Kentuckians should be suspicious of scammers and con artists claiming to have a cure for the newest strain of the virus,” said Gov. Beshear. “Only legitimate medical authorities are working with the Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration to create a vaccine for COVID-19. If, and when, a vaccine is approved, Kentuckians should ask their family doctor or government health officials for information on how to obtain a vaccine.”
“We urge every Kentuckian to check the source of any information or claims related to COVID-19,” said Attorney General Cameron. “Be wary of any communication that asks for personal information or donations and report scams to the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General by calling the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-888-432-9257.”
Some tips to spot potential scams:
- Watch out for products that claim to cure coronavirus or guarantee coronavirus prevention.
- Be wary of emails from con artists pretending to be the Centers for Disease Control or other public health organizations. A legitimate medical provider would never ask for sensitive information through email.
- Research organizations that are claiming to raise money for a coronavirus vaccine or to help victims.
· Consult the Kentucky Department for Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for reliable information and updates about the coronavirus. A COVID-19 hotline has also been established for health-related concerns and questions at 1-800-722-5725.
1:09 pm Kentucky Supreme Court
Kentucky's Supreme Court issued an order putting restrictions on dockets, jury trials, and jury service from March 16 through April 6.
Courthouses and judicial centers will remain open and offer limited services. Trials, hearings and motions will be postponed and rescheduled. Juror orientation is canceled and existing jury panels may be extended. Attorneys are being encouraged to use e-filing for documents.
“Our justices, judges and circuit court clerks provide critical services in every county,” Chief Justice John D. Minton Jr. said. “Our challenge during this pandemic is to ensure justice for the citizens of the commonwealth while protecting the health of our employees and the public.”
1:00 pm Louisville FC
Louisville's professional soccer team was set to christen its new stadium, Lynn Family Stadium, on April 11. In an effort to be cautious considering the coronavirus, the team is going to postpone not only the opening game, but all other events.
12:44 pm Old Friends Farm
Old Friends Farm, home to many past Kentucky Derby champions, is suspending all public tours until at least March 27. Refunds will be issued to anyone with online reservations. The Stormy Liberal-Patch Celebration set for April 6 is still scheduled. As the date gets closer, they will release more information about the event. If you have questions, you can contact them at 502-863-1775.
12:41 JCPS Feeding Sites
Jefferson County Public Schools announced Thursday that it would be providing free lunches to students during the time they are out. Friday they added an additional two locations. Here is a complete list of those locations.If parents have questions, please go to the JCPS website.
12:05 pm Mayor Greg Fischer Noon Update
Mayor Greg Fischer confirms two cases in Jefferson County and stresses there will be more cases in the county. He says aggressive action is needed because of what is being seen in other cities and countries and the precautions are warranted.
All Metro-sponsored events are canceled through April 5. The annual Give-A-Day week is also being postponed.
Fischer says he understands there is frustration, but the coronavirus is a public health emergency and that needs to be dealt with and everyone must look at the "big picture."
Fischer announced beginning Tuesday, March 17, Metro's Department of Resilience and Community Services along with Dare to Care, will be distributing 26,000 frozen meals to people over the age of 60. The meals will be given out at five community centers. Each person will be able to get five meals per week. For more information call 502-574-5050.
Several different members of the Louisville faith community spoke.
Dr. Muhammad Babar who is very active in the Pakistani American Community said protecting human life is central to every faith. "These are difficult times and our traditions call on us to care for each other. If your house of faith is planning to go ahead with services, please reconsider."
Rabbi Beth Jacowitz Chottiner with Temple Shalom announced they are suspending sabbath worship services.
11:47 am - Kentucky High School Athletic Association
The KHSSA announced effective immediately all sports and sports-activities, regardless of the season, are in a "dead period." The dead period runs thorugh Sunday, April 12.
Being in a "dead period" means this:
- Students can't participate in any organized team activity or team competition.
- Students cannot participate in activities such as weight training, skills development, individual instruction, team camps or open gym.
- No coaching is allowed for school personnel
- School facilities, uniforms, transportation, or equipment cannot be used
- School monies cannot be spent for any KHSAA-sanctioned sport or activity
- The dead period does not mean coaches, athletic department personnel or coaching representatives from speaking with students
- All postseason wrap-up activities, celebration, and recognition events related to a sport or sport-activity may not be held.
11:39 am NASCAR
NASCAR is the latest sport taking a break. It was announced on twitter is is postponing events this weekend.
10:55 am - President Donald Trump
The president sent a tweet announcing he will be addressing the nation this afternoon at 3:00 pm.
10:45 List of School Closings in Kentucky
Spectrum News 1 is collecting school closing information and will post them as soon as we get them. We will update our blog entry as soon as we get information. Here is our current list.
10:19 am Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio announced it is postponing the 2020 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Induction Week festivities. This year's inductees include:
- Depeche Mode
- Irving Azoff
- Jon Landau
- Nine Inch Nails
- T. Rex
- The Doobie Brothers
- The Notorious B.I.G.
- Whitney Houston
10:00 am The Masters
The Masters Tournament is the latest sporting event to be postponed. Fred Ridley, Charirman of Augusta National Golf Club released a statement.
9:00 am Governor Andy Beshear Update
Governor Andy Beshear updated the state about the current patients.
- 118 people tested
- 107 negative tests
- 11 positive tests - 6 in Harrison County, 3 in Fayette County, and 2 in Jefferson County
The newest Harrison County patient is a 51-year-old man, the Fayette County patient is a 31-year-old woman. The new Jefferson County patient is not state-confirmed yet, so they are not releasing details about the person.
Beshear is recommending social distancing for everyone. He stresses everyone should avoid large crowds and try to stay six-feet away from people if possible.
Beshear announced he is closing all of the state's senior centers. These centers provide on-site and at home delivery of meals. There are almost 8,000 sites around the state. The centers are modifying the delivery of meals to make sure every senior is taken care of. In addition, because the governor declared a state of emergency, funds will be available to pay for senior meals.
The governor's office is working on details to provide to funeral homes for services for those who have passed. He stressed to practice social distancing.
Social distancing is being practiced in the media room where the press conferences are being held, so reporters who cannot attend the briefing are being allowed to submit questions. One of the questions was about the tax deadline of Apri 15. Beshear said that deadline is still in effect at this time.
The governor will do an update later today at 5 pm.
8:12 am Lexington Public Library
The Lexington Public Library announced it is canceling all library-sponsored programs effective immediately. The libraries will remain open, but they encourage everyone to follow the guidelines issued by Governor Andy Beshear and the CDC.
“My staff and I are continuously monitoring and evaluating this rapidly evolving situation,” said Executive Director Heather Dieffenbach. “We have been working with public libraries across the country as well as local officials to plan our response, and we are prepared to make adjustments as needed to ensure the health and safety of the nearly 7,000 customers and staff members who visit our libraries each day.”