FRANKFORT, Ky. – Governor Andy Beshear announced 92 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus disease in Kentucky, the largest one-day increase in the commonwealth.

“This is why we have social distancing. This is a virus that spreads like wildfire,” Beshear said. “So, yes we are going to see more cases in Kentucky.”

A 66-year-old Kenton County woman died Saturday, making the ninth death in the state. 

The Governor is requesting that Kentuckians turn their lights green to show compassion for the family and as a show of resilience.

There are a total of 394 cases in the state. Sixty-four people infected with coronavirus in Kentucky are believed to have recovered.

“The coronavirus makes us anxious, afraid, uncertain and isolated, but I hope you think we are connected more than ever,” Gov. Beshear said. “This requires us to be a commonwealth for the common good. In fact, it is a calling that our individual actions impact the safety and health of others.”

Beshear announced Kentucky received federal disaster designation that will provide additional funding for the commonwealth’s response to the pandemic.

The Major Disaster Declaration issued by President Donald Trump broadens access to the Public Assistance Program statewide to pay for emergency protective services not covered by other federal statutes.

The declaration also allows state and local agencies to recover expenses related to the response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Some examples of services covered include emergency medical care, medical sheltering, personal protective gear, law enforcement, and communications, as well as the purchase and distribution of food, water, ice, medicine, and other consumable supplies.

The Governor’s request for Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation programs are currently under review.

The federal Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, which was just signed into law, provides wide-ranging benefits to all Kentuckians.

“I signed an agreement with the Department of Labor that provides for us to raise the maximum weekly benefit by $600, increase benefits weeks by 13 additional weeks, fund unemployment insurance for individuals not typically eligible and finally allows states to expand workshare programs,” Gov. Beshear said.

Deputy Secretary for the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet Josh Benton said his department was working to address issues that some contractors have reported.

“Independent contractors are able to file for unemployment insurance benefits,” Deputy Secretary Benton said. “We are fixing the process on the back end. We are still processing those claims and they will be paid for those.”

Beshear again urged all Kentuckians who qualify for unemployment benefits to file a claim.

Eric Friedlander, acting secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, said the administration also was working to keep Kentuckians covered for health care needs.

“We are going to make sure we get Medicaid coverage to as many people as possible,” Friedlander said.