FRANKFORT, Ky. – Governor Andy Beshear announced Saturday that the state has confirmed the third death related to COVID-19, a 67-year-old man from Anderson County. To send a message of compassion, Beshear said the Governor’s Mansion would be lit green in honor of every Kentuckian who passes related to the virus.

Gov. Beshear continued by telling Kentuckians that he does not want to make these types of announcements and urged everyone to continue to be a good teammate and help stop the spread of the virus.

“We are being asked to step up and to pass the test of being our brother and sister’s keeper and a true neighbor,” Beshear said. 

“We are being asked to put the health and welfare of our people ahead of the bottom line and many times ahead of our own personal, financial security. Those are tough asks to make, but we are those types of people. In Kentucky, we are known for caring about each other I think more than anywhere else in the country and that is why I need everyone to continue to follow our guidance, to practice social distancing and to make sure you are the person that is doing your part to help us get through this.” 

Since houses of worship are not supposed to hold services during the pandemic, Beshear asked houses of worship to ring their bells at 10 am (ET) Sunday.

“We’d love for you to ring the bells. It’s been done at other times in America,” the Governor said. “It just reminds us that we’re all here, that our Creator, regardless of your faith, cares about us. We will make it through this and just because we can’t go to a building to gather where we talk about it, doesn’t mean that it is not there with us and helping to guide us. We’ll make sure that we come out of this together.

Gov. Beshear and Dr. Stack implored people to do their part to help stop the spread, including following orders not to gather in public and to follow social distancing by staying at least six feet apart from others.

“Don’t be the people who don’t listen to this. If individuals keep finding ways to get around this, they are going to hurt people,” Dr. Stack said.

Beshear also announced both of the children diagnosed with COVID-19 in Kentucky, one eight months old and one who is six years old, are recovering. The eight-month-old was never in the hospital but is improving at home. While the 6-year-old needed hospitalization, the child has been discharged and is recovering at home. 

As of 5 pm March 21, the state’s COVID-19 patient information includes 87 who have tested positive. 

Beshear will hold his next update Sunday at 5 pm.