Breaking news this afternoon affecting the Commonwealth.  During his daily coronavirus briefing today, Governor Andy Beshear announced a significant new step due to "escalating cases that require significant acts to protect our people."

With coronavirus cases in Kentucky rapidly mounting, Beshear told residents that we're entering "tougher and tougher times" and "they're going to be tougher before they get easier."

Today, for example, the Green River District Health Department confirmed that cases here in Daviess County have now reached 14.  Statewide, Kentucky estimates 163 positive cases and Monday we suffered our 4th coronavirus-related death.  Beshear even mentioned one new case here in the Commonwealth where someone who tested positive for COVID-19 allegedly contracted the virus at a "Coronavirus" party.

After admonishing such residents for not taking the coronavirus threat seriously, Beshear reiterated, "It's important now more than ever to stay healthy at home."  So, he issued an official order that demands that many Kentuckians do just that.  Effective, Thursday at 8pm, all non life-sustaining businesses in the Commonwealth will be required to close (to in-person traffic).  Businesses that are allowed to stay open under the order will still be required to maintain established safe social distancing practices.

That said, groceries, banks, pharmacies, drug stores, agriculture, gas stations and some manufacturing facilities will remain open.  The order, containing full details, will be released tomorrow.  We will share those details with you as they become available.

Governor Beshear says we will assess the situation in increments of ten days at a time.  "This will not last forever."

Beshear said, "This is the test of our time and our generation.  But we're going to get through this and we're going to get though it together."

Yesterday, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb issued a similar order.  He issued a "Stay at Home" order that goes into effect at midnight tonight and remains in effect through Tuesday, April 7th.  For more information about the proclamation affecting the Hoosier State, CLICK HERE.

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