Classes will not resume for Kentucky school students in the 2019-20 school year.

Gov. Andy Beshear made that announcement Monday afternoon following a conference call with superintendents from around the commonwealth earlier in the day. Beshear said this is especially difficult for students in the class of 2020 because of the experiences they are losing due to this decision.

The Kentucky Department of Education announced the news on Twitter just after 3 p.m. Monday, writing, “It’s been recommended Kentucky schools do not return to in-person classes for the rest of the 2019-20 year.”

The decision will affect students across the state, and local eduction leaders reacted to the news with students and staff in mind.

“This is a difficult time for our students, families and staff. Our students are missing graduations, ballgames, and meaningful time in their classrooms with classmates and teachers. Parents are being asked to work remotely, and in some cases are being furloughed, all while having to help their child with NTI work,” said Mike LaFavers, superintendent of Boyle County Schools. “Having said that, what the governor is asking from all of us is the right thing. He is taking the necessary steps to save lives, which is the most important thing any of us can do right now. Boyle County Schools will comply with the governor’s request to cease in-person classes through the remainder of the year and utilize NTI (virtual instruction) until the close of our calendar.”

Danville Superintendent Tammy McDonald said, “Based on guidance from Gov. Beshear, it is with a sad heart that we will finish the year with NTI days. District and school level leadership ae workin on end of the year plans and will make recommendations to the board of education next week.”

Danville Independent School Board Chair Steve Becker said the board will have a virtual meeting at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, to discuss how to handle the end of the school year. Becker said an administrative team was investigating the options, which will be presented to the board on Wednesday.

 

COVID-19 Update

In his daily press update Monday, Beshear announced that Kentucky has 102 cases of coronavirus. The number was down drastically from Sunday’s total of 293 new cases, which was the largest single-day total. Beshear said he believe Monday’s total was lower because the state’s largest testing lab by volume is not open on Sundays, thus reducing the possibility for more positive reports on Monday.

There were nine new deaths reported as of Monday, and Beshear said the total of cases in Kentucky now stands at 3,050, with 32,830 tests being administered in the state. He also reported that 1,017 Kentuckians have been hospitalized with the virus, and 263 are currently in a hospital for treatment. Statewide 532 people have been in an intensive care unit for COVID-19, and 147 are in ICU now, according to Beshear. He said 1,134 Kentucky patients have recovered from the disease.

Locally, Boyle County Health Department announced that there are no new cases as of 4 p.m. Monday. The total stands at 14 for the county, and the last day a new case was reported by the department was Thursday, April 16.

 

What if you have COVID-19 symptoms?

You can call (859) 936-8350 if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms or if you have a fever, sore throat or breathing difficulties.  A nurse answering the call will assess your symptoms and advise you of the stops you should follow.

That may include a visit to your primary care provider, a visit to your local Emergency Room or a visit to one of Ephraim McDowell’s four testing facilities.  The four testing facilities are Ephraim McDowell Walk-in & Primary Care (1541 Lebanon Road, Danville), Ephraim McDowell Haggin Primary Care (470 Linden Avenue, Suite 5, Harrodsburg), Immediate & Primary Care at Fort Logan Hospital (110 Metker Trail, Stanford), and Ephraim McDowell Springfield Family Medical Center (280 Lincoln Drive, Springfield).  Do not go to one of these testing facilities unless you are directed to by the Ephraim McDowell Call Center or an Ephraim McDowell health care provider.

For those with further questions about this illness, please call the Covid-19 Hotline at 1-800-722-5725, visit the Kentucky Covid-19 website at kycovid19.ky.gov or visit the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.