Two More Staff Test Positive For COVID-19 At Edmonson Center, Two More Resident Deaths

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County's positive cases for COVID-19 increased again today as Genesis Health, Edmonson Center reported 30 total cases from residents and three total cases from staff members Monday, May 11, 2020. While numbers for residents stayed the same as last reported, the number of staff cases increased by two. The facility also reported two more deaths from residents as a result of COVID-19.

"To date, Edmonson Center has had 30 residents and 3 staff members test positive for COVID-19," the center said in a statement to the Edmonson Voice. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by COVID-19, especially the families of the eight residents that passed away.  All residents in the building have been tested for COVID-19 at least twice and the staff have all been tested once."

The Barren River District Health Department reported a total of 45 positive cases in Edmonson County, with 8 total deaths (all from Edmonson Center) and 10 recoveries. That brings the district totals up to 925 cases with 285 recoveries and 20 deaths from COVID-19.

Statewide, KY currently has had 6,677 confirmed positive cases, 311 deaths, and 2,335 recoveries from COVID-19. Governor Andy Beshear has outlined the reopening of businesses and gatherings, according to the following schedule:
 

• May 22 – Restaurants, with limited 33% capacity and outdoor seating
• June 1 – Movie theaters, fitness centers
• June 11 – Campgrounds, public and private
• June 15 – Child care, with reduced capacity; and potentially low-touch and outdoor youth sports

Phase 3 is coming July 1 with bars (with limitations) and gatherings up to 50 people allowed.

On Friday, May 8th, a federal judge overruled all the Governor's restrictions of houses of worship with regards to a mass gathering. The judge's ruling removed houses of worship from the Governor's mass gathering orders. While most local churches are still refraining from standard services, the ruling now allows any house to worship to proceed with in-person services effective immediately, as long as they follow the CDC guidelines for social distancing and hygiene. 

On Saturday, May 9th Governor Beshear released new guidelines for the the reopening of churches for in-person services and they are attached to an executive order. 

*5/12/20: This article was edited to reflect a clearer explanation of the recent court ruling as well as the requirements for churches to follow when proceeding with in-person services.