SPECTRUM NEWS 1 CORONAVIRUS BLOG

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky's first coronavirus case was confirmed on March 6 and since that day businesses have closed, laid-off workers, or are working with skeleton crews. But a number of companies in the commonwealth want and need workers now.

Thousands of people are being hired handle the growing demands. So if you or someone you know needs a job here are some Kentucky companies hiring.

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) is making it easier for more Kentuckians to get the food they need from food banks.

Commissioner Ryan Quarles, R-KY, relaxed the income requirements through April 30 to help families during the pandemic.

BOONE COUNTY, Ky. — A Northern Kentucky church has agreed to suspend their in-person services.

A spokesperson for the Northern Kentucky Health Department told Spectrum News 1 they have contacted Immanuel Baptist Church in Boone County.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In a virtual town hall Tuesday morning, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and other Metro leaders took questions from citizens watching online. The question and answer session centered on public safety and law enforcement, as coronavirus spreads.

Police Chief Steve Conrad said his officers will not arrest people for violating social distancing guidelines, but can only stress the importance of people voluntarily following them.

WASHINGTON, DC — Many members of Congress argue the roughly $500 billion for large corporations in the massive coronavirus relief stimulus package signed into law last week by President Donald Trump was critical to saving jobs and stabilizing the economy.

But one lawmaker is not so convinced.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - On Monday Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear laid out a new executive order restricting travel to neighboring states.

There are several exemptions however and they include traveling for work, doctor appointments, caring for a loved one, buying essential goods like groceries and complying with court orders.

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Due to the financial uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Kentucky lawmakers will only be voting on a one-year budget, instead of the typical two-year budget.

“That is a fairly unprecedented move but in these times of both health and financial insecurity we believe it to be the most prudent decision,” Senate Appropriation and Revenue Chair Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Taylor Mill, said Tuesday.

DEARBORN, Mi. — Ford is delaying the restart of production at its North America plants to help protect its workers.

The company wanted to restart production April 6 at Hermosillo Assembly Plant in Mexico and April 14 at several key U.S. plants, including the Kentucky plant – start up has been delayed and new dates will be announced at a later time.

GEORGETOWN, Ky. — It’s was meant to be a reprieve from thinking about all the things going on in the world right now.

"We're all growing through this process and I just wanted to give somebody a laugh, whether it be a teacher or an administrator, whoever heard it, somebody that just likes watching Andy at 5 that might... A parent that is also screaming, 'No more NTI.' could get a giggle out of it at a time when there aren't many giggles around."

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Peace Corps, a federal program for Americans to volunteer abroad, announced on March 15 that it was temporarily suspending all operations and evacuating all volunteers, a first in its history.

According to the Peace Corps’ website, it was because of airport closures globally amid COVID-19, which could restrict evacuations for any non-COVID-19 illnesses for volunteers. One of the approximately 7,300 volunteers evacuated from 61 countries was Louisville native Shelby Durbin.

FRANKFORT, Ky. — A member of the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission (LRC) tested positive for COVID-19 Monday. The employee is recovering and doing well.

All LRC staff were told of the positive test Monday.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Since the positive COVID-19 diagnosis of a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) baggage officer at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, the staff tells Spectrum News 1 precaution is in place to prevent the virus from spreading. Travel is down tremendously, with TSA reporting a decline nationwide of up to 90%; the Louisville airport is feeling that, too.

The airport announced the positive coronavirus test over the weekend on Saturday. Spokesperson Natalie Chaudoin says the officer had limited exposure to others and did not work in passenger screening.

BOONE COUNTY, Ky. — A Northern Kentucky church is disregarding orders to suspend in-person services.

On Monday, multiple city and county officials confirmed the Northern Kentucky Health Department is enforcing mandates.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Norton Healthcare’s president and CEO Russell Cox announced 45 Norton employees have tested positive for coronavirus out of 250 employees tested. Of the 45 positive employee cases, Cox reports one person is being treated in the hospital.

“So far in Norton Healthcare we’ve had 127 patients who have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus,” Cox told reporters on Monday.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Scammers are notorious for trying to take advantage of people during times of crisis, and the current coronavirus pandemic is no exception. The Better Business Bureau has seen a huge increase in reported scams as con artists double down on their efforts to cheat you out of your money and private information.

According to the BBB, some of the COVID-19 scams include:

LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Central Kentucky based emergency disaster services company is donating specialized mobile housing trailers to help 600 people living in a Lexington homeless shelter maintain proper social distancing.

Emergency Disaster Services has crews that are headed to hard hit areas of the U.S. like Miami, Boston and New York to build and maintain large triage units that will help healthcare centers reduce the massive influx of patients being treated for COVID-19.

INDIANAPOLIS, In. — Saying America is facing "uprecedented challenges," pharmaceutical giant Eli Lillly announced Monday, it wants to help diabetic patients who use Lilly insulin during the coronavirus.

The cost of insulin was skyrocketing before the COVID-19 pandemic. Lilly says it doesn't want patients who are dealing with lost jobs or lost insurance to worry about their insulin supply.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville-based Humana announced patients with coronavirus will not have to pay for treatment. The company previously announced it would cover out-of-pocket costs related to coronavirus testing. Now, costs related to treatment for COVID-19 — including inpatient hospital admissions — will be waived for enrollees of Medicare Advantage plans, fully insured commercial members, Medicare Supplement and Medicaid.

The waiver includes all medical costs related to the treatment of COVID-19 as well as medications or vaccines when they become available.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The coronavirus pandemic has instilled fear in people. Aaron McAndrew, a wealth advisor says people fear for health and finances.

“You know a lot of this was caused by uncertainty surrounding the virus. There’s been a lot of panic selling. It wasn’t driven by an economic event.”

Normally, about a dozen people a day come to the emergency department at Baton Rouge’s largest hospital with breathing issues.

Now, it is about 100.

KENTUCKY — Voice of America English reporter Sabina Castelfranco, has been reporting extensively from Rome, Italy on the impact of the coronavirus on the country.

Castelfranco spoke with Spectrum News 1 about her recent story about on an Italian patient who describes what it's like to have COVID-19.

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Gov. Andy Beshear (D-Kentucky) is asking people to stay home as much as possible to flatten the curve. Now, there's actually a way to track if people are listening.

Tech company, Unacast, is using anonymous cell data to see how travel patterns have changed since coronavirus. What it found, is that Kentuckians aren't changing their habits as much as leaders would like. Kentucky got a "D" on the Social Distancing Scoreboard. That Uncast data shows there has only been a 17 percent average change in distance traveled in the Commonwealth.

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.”

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Sew Cute By Katie's shop in Louisville had to close because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It's a non-essential business that made most of its sales from face-to-face purchases. But owner Katie Bertrand is still sewing, only now she’s making a new product, non-medical face masks.

“That is not anything I’ve ever done or been in my wheelhouse to do,” Bertrand said.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The coronavirus pandemic has healthcare providers and patients innovating new ways to make sure their needs are served.

One of those news ways is through the expansion of telehealth.

DANVILLE, Ky. - Immanuel Baptist Church has rallied its congregation since the coronavirus pandemic to “be the church”. This means finding creative ways to help those who have been the most impacted by the health crisis.

“I hope they know that people are there for them and encouraging them,” said Olivia Kitts, a volunteer with the Lexington church. “ There’s always good going in the darkness that’s a light to shine through all of that.”

LEXINGTON, Ky.— UK Healthcare is now offering drive-thru testing for the coronavirus for its frontline employees and patient care providers.

Employees are being asked to fill out a survey and provide information about their symptoms. From there the information will be reviewed by a clinical team that will identify employees for the drive-thru testing.

WASHINGTON, DC — At more than $2 trillion, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) is the largest stimulus package voted on by Congress in the nation’s history.

Northern Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie-R, argued every member should be required to have their vote recorded for posterity.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — UofL Health has not seen a large influx of coronavirus patients yet, and the system’s top doctor believes hospitals in the network will be able to handle a surge if and when it happens.

UofL Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jason Smith warned, though, it’s still too early to tell if social distancing measures have been enough to contain the virus.

WASHINGTON, DC — Here are the highlights from President Donald Trump's Friday Coronavirus Task Force briefing.

TRUMP AGAIN SAYS NEW YORK'S ESTIMATE OF VENTILATOR NEED IS TOO HIGH DURING CORONAVIRUS TASK FORCE BRIEFING

KENTUCKY — Kentucky's Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman says the Cabinet for Education and Workforce Development has new measures in place to help those in the Commonwealth who may experienced difficulties filing for unemployment.

Coleman says are now 12 regional phone lines for people to call with questions related to unemployment claims and state workers are processing thirty times the normal workload for unemployment claims.

WALTON, Ky. — The coronavirus and addiction do not go together. Those who are recovering are balancing new challenges. Recovery meetings are now done virtually.

Almost three months ago, Danny Goldberg, 42, made a firm decision to recover after he found himself waking up in a Dallas hospital.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville's Omni Hotel is closing its doors Friday because of the coronavirus. A travel advisory posted on the hotel's website explains that COVID-19 has had a huge impact on the hospitality industry and as a result the hotel chain is temporarily closing its properties.

Louisville's Omni is suspending all services to guest as of Friday. The hotel is hoping to resume operations Friday, May 15, 2020, but will revaluate if necessary.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) launches its first Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) plan for students on Tuesday, April 7. This will allow students to continue learning while schools are closed.

With remote learning, students will be able to access and complete schoolwork either online or with hard copies. Families will get to choose the method that works best for them. JCPS has a limited number of Chromebooks available for students who do not have access to a computer and want to complete lessons online.

WALTON, Ky. — A Kentucky mayor’s Facebook post is making the headlines.

Gabe Brown, the mayor of Walton, has the same messages as Governor Andy Beshear, D-Kentucky, but uses a different tone and tactic.

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky lawmakers approved a bill with several measures to help people impacted by the coronavirus.

The legislature approved Senate Bill 150 unanimously Thursday after holding a joint conference committee to add more provisions into the bill.

WASHINGTON, DC — President Donald Trump and the Coronavirus Task Force addressed the nation Thursday. Here are the highlights of the briefing.

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BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Governor Andy Beshear announced Wednesday self-employed Kentuckians and independent contractors can now file for unemployment benefits. It's a benefit normally not afforded to these groups.

Shake Rag Barber Shop in Bowling Green was profitable and looking to expand, welcoming new customers and hiring new barbers. But the virus changed all of that. The shop is locked up for an unforeseen amount of time and owner Chris Page says it’s the perfect time to reevaluate what emergency savings should look like.

NATIONWIDE — Toyota announced Thursday, March 26 it will extend the length of its production suspension at all of its automobile and components plants in North America, including Canada, Mexico and the U.S.

The manufacturing facilities will remain closed through April 17, resuming production on April 20. Service parts depots and vehicle logistics centers will continue to operate. Toyota will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action in a timely manner.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In attempts to reduce crowding in Louisville’s jail and increase the chance the coronavirus does not get in and spread, 132 low-risk inmates are likely to be set free.

Spectrum News 1 spoke with prosecutor Jeff Cooke from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office on Thursday, who said he worked with corrections and defense attorneys and has delivered the recommendations to judges to be considered for release.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The coronavirus hit the United States and has spread during a holy season for Christians, and could change the way many worship this Easter. Ministers face the likelihood of being unable to gather for church services in person.

"It's a moment of godly lament, yeah, to not be together on a Sunday morning to celebrate the central fixture of the Christian faith," explains Dr. Andrew Walker, Associate Dean at the School of Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A University of Louisville football player lost his father to COVID-19.

The father of junior wide receiver Corey Reed, Jr. died Wednesday in Atlanta, Georgia. Corey Reed, Sr. was 43 years old.

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Attorney General Daniel Cameron, R-Kentucky, issued subpoenas to six third-party sellers in Kentucky who Amazon and allegedly were trying to price-gouge consumers.

The sellers allegedly engaged in the price gouging of emergency and medical supplies, including hand sanitizer and N95 respirator masks. Some sellers raised the price of these items by as much as 1,951 percent.

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Fayette County Public Schools are no longer offering meal delivery to bus stops around the area.

The district learned Wednesday a transportation department employee involved in meal service, tested positive for COVID-19. The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department believes the risk of exposure to children and other staff members is low, the district felt the safest action is to close the bus depots.

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) has two new web pages for Kentuckians to use to support area farmers and their families during the pandemic.

“The nation is mobilizing for war against an invisible enemy: the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles. “Just because you are working from home does not mean you have to stop supporting Kentucky farm families. My office has developed a web page for consumers to find Kentucky Proud Buy Local Restaurants offering carryout, curbside, and delivery during this time. Additionally, we have developed a new page dedicated to Community Supported Agriculture, commonly called a CSA.”

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Governor Andy Beshear tightened restrictions on businesses and banned residential evictions under a state of emergency declaration.

The Governor offered details about the new executive order as he warned against complacency.

LOUISVILLE, Ky —- At times it’s easy to forget something as common as bleach can be life-saving.

“We wipe down this building three times a day,” said Mark Hogg. Hogg, the founder, and CEO of WaterStep. The Louisville-based non-profit helps nations around the world have access to clean water and bleach in times of crisis.

SCOTT COUNTY, Ky. — Each day the number of confirmed coronavirus cases increases, not only across the country but also in Kentucky.

First responders have been prepared. But now more questions arise about COVID-19 as it spreads in most communities.

It’s passed in the Senate, and it looks like the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act is set to pass the House. But for all the talk about bailouts for big businesses, the questions most Kentuckians have are most likely, how much money will I get, and how do I get it?

You may be due money on two fronts. Here’s what we know right now:

STATEWIDE — For Americans facing uncertain financial times, they may be trying to decide what payments are essential, and which ones might be able to be put off.

First, Kentuckians facing layoffs or job loss due to the coronavirus are encouraged to apply for unemployment. When it comes to critical services like power and heat, the Kentucky Public Service Commission has ordered all investor-owned utilities – like LG&E – to suspend disconnections. We also spoke with Julia King, a Louisville debt advisor, who said help is out there during this time, and the most important step in the process is picking up the phone and calling companies to whom you owe money.

LOUISVILLE. KY. — There's a new place where state employees are encouraged to go, during the time of working from home and social distancing. That's to volunteer at food banks. Governor Andy Beshear summoned their help during one of his recent coronavirus briefings.

At least one Louisville-based bank, Dare to Care, says they welcome the help since their staff is slim and demand is great.

STATEWIDE — As the COVID-19 pandemic continues some animal shelters are seeing community support decrease.

The Lexington Humane Society reached out to lawmakers hoping to drum up donations.

Scientists around the globe are rapidly trying to gain insights into the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the coronavirus. Here’s some information on two new studies of note:

The first, is the largest study done on kids, focusing on 2,143 pediatric patients who either tested positive with COVID-19 or were suspected of having it. While most kids are less likely to experience severe illness with COVID-19 than adults - it doesn’t mean kids don’t fall ill to the virus. Here are some of the findings, published in the journal Pediatrics:

CINCINNATI, Oh. — Kroger shoppers will notice more changes around stores to keep employees and shoppers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kroger is allowing employees to wear protective masks and gloves. The company understands the national shortage and the company says it is asking the government to help secure items for grocery workers after healthcare workers.

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Governor Andy Beshear announced Tuesday more changes would be coming for area businesses. He said beginning Thursday, all non-life-sustaining businesses would need to close to in-person traffic. Wednesday, prior to his daily briefing, Beshear released the Executive Order calling for the closures. The order spells out what businesses and organizations will be allowed to remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The following is a list of all businesses considered life-sustaining.

SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky. — The Bullitt County Health Department has confirmed multiple employees at an Amazon Fulfillment warehouse tested positive for the coronavirus.

The building – called SDF-9 – is one of two massive warehouses on the campus. The Bullitt County Health Department said, in a statement, Amazon has temporarily closed the affected building for a deep clean, and that the department is working with the company on social distancing measures. The employees are residents of other counties, and the statement warned locals not to get complacent and, generally, expect future positive cases in people from the county.

WASHINGTON, DC — President Donald Trump assembled the Coronavirus Task Force for an early evening update. He was once again joined by. Dr. Anthony Fauci.

Trump says he's looking to Easter to "re-open" the country, calling it a "great timeline".

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Governor Andy Beshear said day-by-day cases are rising and Tuesday was the single biggest one-day increase in cases, 39 positive results reported.

“With this being the single biggest day that we have had so far with an increase in cases, we are going to have to keep taking increasingly significant steps as we move forward,” Gov. Beshear said. “We know we are in the time in any pandemic when we have escalating cases and we have to act, act now and act in a significant way that protects our people.”

FRANKFORT, Ky. — After some delays with the online application, small businesses should be able to seek relief from the coronavirus.

The Small Business Administration is allowing small businesses across the county to apply for low-interest loans at a rate of 3.75 percent. Non-profits would receive a 2.75 percent interest rates.

STATEWIDE — Spectrum News 1's Kayla Moody continues her exclusive interview with former Governor Steve Beshear.

Get his unique perspective on the man currently in the governor's mansion, his son, Andy.

STATEWIDE — The face of dealing with the cornavirus pandemic in Kentucky is Governor Andy Beshear.

There is someone who knows what the Governor is dealing with to a certain extent, because he once led the Commonwealth of Kentucky as well.

WASHINGTON, DC — Donald Trump moved the Coronavirus Task Force briefing press conference from the White House Briefing Room to the Rose Garden with a virtual town hall shown on the . Fox News Channel.

Trump and the task force, minus, again, Dr. Anthony Fauci, took questions from Fox hosts and pre-recorded viewer videos.

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. — College students across the commonwealth are working to find alternative places to live.

Many universities have started virtual classes and are closing campuses to help reduce coronavirus cases. This includes Northern Kentucky University.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Louisville firefighter has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.

The firefighter had no symptoms when he worked his last shift Friday, March 20, but began showing symptoms at home Sunday, March 22. He called health care providers and was given a test Monday. The firefighter does not live in Jefferson County, was tested because of his job as a first responder. His results came back Tuesday as positive.

ATLANTA, Ga. — More and more restaurants are doing what they can to help during the pandemic. Moe’s Southwest Grill is the latest to step up with free meals for parents.

Until March 28, patrons can get a free kids entree with the purchase of any adult entree ordered at Moes.com or the app. Drinks and cookies are not included with the kids' meal. This deal is not good through third-party delivery such as GrubHub or UberEats.

From the crush of college spring breakers flooding Florida’s beaches last week, to the numerous pick up basketball games spotted in New York City parks, it’s clear many young adults feel immune to the global pandemic sickening hundreds of thousands. But they are not.

The anecdotal stories coming out of emergency rooms inundated with coronavirus patients, and the raw data being compiled by government agencies, paint a clear picture - that people of all ages are at risk.

MIAMI, Fl. — Burger King announced it is now offering free King Jr. meals with any purchase made through the BK app.

Customers can take advantage of the deal via drive-thru, delivery, or takeout.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Students at Louisville's Speed School of Engineering are helping area hospitals by making personal protective equipment (PPE), for doctors and nurses on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.

The school is building a statewide network with other organizations also capable of making gear.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) contacted U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Alex Azar to push for drive-through testing sites in Kentucky. McConnell also asked for more testing kits and personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers in Kentucky. Senator McConnell contacted Secretary Azar following a conversation with Governor Andy Beshear (D-KY) to discuss Kentucky’s response to coronavirus.

In the letter to Secretary Azar, Senator McConnell wrote: “I commend your department’s innovative response by establishing drive-through testing sites across the country. As your department implements this public-private program, I ask that you establish these testing sites in the Commonwealth. Kentucky is widely recognized as one of our nation’s premier logistics hubs and is centrally located to easily receive the necessary tools to make drive-through testing accessible to our most vulnerable."

VERSAILLES, Ky. - Mentors and Meals is an organization that is trying to give back to the students during this hard time. The program's mission is to help academic achievement through mentoring middle school students with free homework help, hot meals and group activities with their group of mentors. The mentors in the group are local high school students, college interns or qualified adult volunteers. "Typically mentors and meal students come to us. But now with the coronavirus crisis going on. We're taking mentors and Meals on Wheels.” Executive Director, Lisa Johnson said. With students being home from school, the mentors are able to help them with their online homework, and both the mentor and student can spend more time delivering meals to those in need. The program runs from Monday through Thursday from 3:00-6:00 p.m.

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Governor Andy Beshear announced Monday the fourth death related to COVID-19, an 82-year-old woman in Lexington with underlying health conditions.

“We are entering what will be tougher and tougher times,” said Beshear. “The safest place in the coming weeks for everybody is staying safe at home. This is the test of our time, of our generation, but I know you and I are up for it.”

WASHINGTON, DC — At today’s briefing, Donald Trump said the federal government has obtained large quantities of Hydroxychloroquine which will be distributed in New York for clinical trials beginning early tomorrow.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — With coronavirus cases on the rise, there is a growing concern about the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare professionals.

Heather Green is used to making and tailoring wedding dresses, but with many weddings on pause due to the coronavirus, she had extra time and material on hand. That’s why she started to make face masks for healthcare professionals

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Dare To Care in Louisville distributes food to over 250 partner agencies that help feed people in need. They can do that with the help of volunteers and amid COVID-19 the organization needs more of what they call Hunger Heroes.

“We think anyone who is able to give back in a time in need is a hero in our eyes,” said Chief Programs Officer, Annette Ball.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Retail stores deemed “non-essential” by Governor Andy Beshear prepared to close for an unknown amount of time Monday.

At Academy Sports on Shelbyville Road in Louisville, a line formed along the front of the building, as staff could be heard announcing to shoppers that only 25 were allowed inside at a time. Camping items, a canoe, and a child’s bike were all carried out of the store while we were there, but many we heard speaking were in line to buy ammunition. We met Kyle in the parking lot, who went to get ammo for his friend and quickly turned around once he saw the line.

LEXINGTON, Ky. — During a news conference Monday afternoon, doctors at UK Healthcare revealed that over 900 people in Kentucky have been tested for the coronavirus at different UK hospitals and outpatient facilities across the state, since March 6th.

Out of the 900 test kits, the University reports 17 people were confirmed to have positive cases of the virus.

LOUISVILLE - Retail stores deemed “non-essential” by state officials prepared to close for an unknown amount of time Monday. At Academy Sports on Shelbyville Road in Louisville, a line formed well along the front of the building, as staff could be heard announcing to shoppers that only 25 were allowed inside at a time. Camping items, a canoe, and a child’s bike were all carried out of the store while we were there, but many we heard speaking were in line to buy ammunition. We met Kyle in the parking lot, who went to get ammo for his friend and quickly turned around once he saw the line. “I’m gonna tell him, ‘Tough luck; I didn’t feel like waiting in line this long,’” he laughed. “I was just swinging through – being bored – and I figured I’d try and help him out.” Kyle’s good mood might partially be explained because he said he was a “prepper,” owning a sufficient stockpile of ammunition and frozen food, he judges, to wait out any disaster. The list of forced closures includes Entertainment, sporting goods, auto dealers, and clothing stores, among others. In his Sunday address, Beshear said there was no need to rush to stores remaining open, stating, “There’s going to be enough essentials for everybody.”

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A program to match Kentucky volunteers with high-risk neighbors during the coronavirus pandemic is taking off

Just over a week ago, Erin Hinson had the idea to create the Louisville COVID-19 Match Program. It connects healthy volunteers with a nearby neighbor who is at a higher risk of developing complications from COVID-19.

FORT MITCHELL, Ky. — Redwood, a center that helps children and adults with developmental disabilities in Northern Kentucky, had to stop daycare and adult programs due to coronavirus.

In the meantime, the center is sharing a video from the Oregon Office of Developmental Disabilities Services. Although it is from Oregon, the information is useful for people all over the country.

LEXINGTON, Ky. — If people can’t come to the live music, it was time to find a way to bring live music to the people.

Katyi McMyermick, operations manager at Cosmic Charlie's said she knew something needed to be done.

NATIONWIDE — Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, announced Monday her husband has tested positivel for coronavirus.

The former presidential candidate said in a statment that her husband, John, is receiving oxygen at a Virginia hospital..

NATIONWIDE — This simple, easy-to-understand graphic explains who gets tested and what the testing protocol is in each of the Spectrum News 1 territories.

We are tracking the latest developments surrounding the Coronavirus and its impact right here in the Commonwealth state.

Congressman Andy Barr visits with In Focus Kentucky host Mario Anderson to share how he and others in Washington, D.C. are working to ensure the health and safety of the American people against Covid-19.

We’re updating you on steps that the federal government is taking to respond and tackle the Coronavirus pandemic, head on.

In Focus Kentucky host Mario Anderson is joined by U.S. Congressman Andy Barr of Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District during this segment.

The spread of the coronavirus is rapidly changing life across much of the country, as federal, state and local government officials work around the clock to address the growing pandemic.

United States Representative Andy Barr, represents Kentucky’s sixth Congressional district which includes 19 different counties.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Coronavirus has impacted everything from how we live our daily lives to the economy. But, it also has impacted the sports world.

Kelsi Dahlia, who used to swim for the University of Louisville, took home Olympic Gold in 2016.

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Governor Andy Beshear ordered all non-essential businesses to close by 8:00 pm Monday, March 23. In addition, he mandated all elective medical procedures stop immediately.

Entertainment, sporting goods, clothing, shoe, jewelry and furniture stores, florists, bookstores and auto dealers are among the business that must close. However, these retail businesses can still fill phone and online orders through curbside services or delivery.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Core Lead Organizer Chanelle Helm of Black Lives Matter Louisville (BLM) said the organization has delivered needed supplies, like diapers and food, to anyone in the community that needs it since 2016. With Coronavirus, getting out five days a week to make deliveries is now down to two days to reduce exposure. However, Helm said the number of families served has ramped up.

“During the time of coronavirus, a very, you know, international pandemic, we’re not getting ready to be forgotten. And not by our people, not by ourselves, no,” Helm said.

WASHINGTON, DC— Sunday afternoon, Senator Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, announced he has tested positive for cornavirus.

In his Facebook post, Paul says he doesn't have any symptoms and was tested because of his extensive travel and events schedule. He will remain quarantined and has had very little contact with his staff, since most are working remotely. He doesn't know how he caught COVID-19.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Derby City CrossFit in Louisville is helping its members stay healthy and fit at home with remote coaching during this time of self-quarantine. It’s also looking out for the community with a campaign it launched called Caring is Contagious.

“You know there’s no time like this in our history, and we kind of got to rise above,” said co-owner Slater Coe.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - With hand sanitizer being hard to find in stores, the Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company is using their alcohol supply to help produce and distribute hand sanitizer free of charge.

The brewery normally makes beers and bourbon.

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.

CINCINNATI, Oh. — Beginning Monday, March 23, Kroger Food Stores in Kentucky, Southern Indiana, and Southern Illinois will adjust their hours to 7:00 am to 9:00 pm daily.

The first hour 7:00 am - 8:00 am, Monday thru Thursday will be dedicated to seniors, 60-years-old and older and other high-risk customers as defined by the CDC. Kroger associates will help anyone who needs assistance while shopping.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - The University of Kentucky is practicing their social distancing as they have their students move out for the semester. The school is only allowing students to move out during certain time slots throughout the day.

“We live where we go to school, so if things get worse, I personally don’t want to be away from my family. I’m kinda glad that they are doing it." Student at UK, Kelsey Mata said.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In a move to help restaurants closed to in-person dining Governor Andy Beshear has made it legal to sell beer on carry-out and delivery orders.

“It’s really great for Beshear to do that because we have a ton of inventory that we are just sitting on,” Chris Williams told Spectrum News 1. Williams is the owner and head chef of Four Pegs in Louisville’s Germantown neighborhood. This week, like all other Kentucky bars and restaurants Williams, was forced to limit business to carry out and delivery. The effect was immediate and harsh.