FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVF) — Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced expanded COVID-19 testing, saying anyone who wants a test can get a test starting next week.
Drive-thru testing will be available in Lexington, Louisville, Owensboro and Bowling Green.
The governor said phase one of reopening the state will start Monday by reopening certain health care services.
On Wednesday, Gov. Beshear confirmed 196 positive cases have been confirmed in the last 24 hours, bringing the state's total number of confirmed cases to 3,373. Of the total number of cases confirmed, 1,311 people have recovered from the virus.
He announced 14 new deaths related to the coronavirus. A total of 185 Kentuckians have died from COVID-19 since the outbreak began.
Gov. Beshear said he still believes the state is plateauing. Statewide, 36,075 people have been tested.
Watch the governor's update below:
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See all our coronavirus coverage here
COUNTY-BY-COUNTY CASES IN TENNESSEE
What is COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new coronavirus?)
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 stands for "Coronavirus disease 2019," which is when this strain of the coronavirus was discovered.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.
Prevention
The CDC is recommending "common sense" measures such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
