Throughout the update, protestors could be heard shouting "open up Kentucky," "we want to work," "liberty is essential," "let freedom ring," and "abortion is not essential."
Beshear addressed the protestors a couple of times, saying they have the right to be heard, but that opening up the economy right now would kill people. He also said he did not make the decision to leave abortion clinics open.
The governor also addressed the federal lawsuit filed against him over the COVID-19 restrictions. He said there are many other ways for Kentuckians to worship that don't require an in-person church service.
Beshear said his team will be working closely with leadership in Ohio and Indiana to begin planning how to ease restrictions and get the economy opened back up. He has been speaking with leadership in Ohio and Indiana at least weekly, and believes the three states have had the best response to the pandemic in the nation. With this partnership, Beshear believes they can have a more effective reopening of the state and economy.
The Team Kentucky Fund has received donations from over 7,000 people, raising $1.9 million since the fund was created.
In his Wednesday update, Beshear announced that they're using a new system for tabulating totals for cases that have been confirmed. He said today's total is understated, probably by about 50 cases, but he did announce 88 new cases of the virus in the state. He said the new total at this point is 2,291 cases with 412 people currently hospitalized and 252 in intensive care units. He announced seven additional deaths today, but said 862 people have completely recovered from the virus.
You can see Beshear's full update below.
