COVID-19 numbers in Kentucky are at record levels and Governor Andy Beshear says he is going to announce new restrictions today to help get the virus under control.
“So let me say that tomorrow we will be announcing new steps that we’re gonna take in this Commonwealth,” Beshear promised during his daily update on COVID-19 Tuesday.
The numbers indicate a concerning trend during the past month.
Gov. Beshear reported 2,931 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, bringing the state total to 142,008 cases. The state’s positivity rate is an alarming 9.10 percent.
Beshear reported 33 COVID-19 related deaths on Tuesday, a new single day high for Kentucky.
Check out Beshear’s update from Tuesday below:
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Beshear wouldn’t answer questions about what changes might be announced today, but one has to wonder what will be shut down or greatly impacted.
Kentucky currently has 106 counties labelled red on the state’s COVID-19 Incidence Rate map.
One area of high interest around the Commonwealth will be the status of youth and high school athletics, particularly winter sports like basketball. If the Incidence map continues to be the guiding tool, it’s hard to imagine that winter sports can tip off at the current numbers.
Some rumors that have been circulating have officials delaying the start of winter sports until January, but those are exactly that…just rumors.
It should be noted that changes in several other states did impact prep sports.
West Virginia recently delayed the start of all winter sports until January 11.
Illinois is also set to delay winter sports:
Minnesota is headed down a similar path:
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will announce new coronavirus restrictions in a statewide speech at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
That will include a halt on youth and high school sports, and numerous other changes.
— Theo Keith (@TheoKeith) November 17, 2020
On the other hand, Ohio plans to have winter sports with similar restrictions to fall sports:
Gov. DeWine has no plans to postponed the winter sports season in Ohio. Winter sports will follow the same guidelines as fall sports. No fans, just family members.
HS girls basketball is scheduled to start on Friday.@WHIZscores
— Ian Kress (@ian_kress) November 17, 2020
Today will certainly be a trying day for Kentucky’s youth and high school players, coaches and parents. First, all eyes will be on the KHSAA Board of Control meeting, which just started.
After that, the state will ask: what will Andy do?
