COVID relief is on the way. But as hunger persists, is it too little too late for some Kentuckians?
By Liam Niemeyer
Ohio Valley Resource
He asked her if she was cold. Wind whips around the park in western Kentucky a couple of days before Christmas. He puts his arm around her as they move closer together on the bench.
Blake Livesay, 27, met Laura Brooke, 31, online earlier in 2020, and they’ve been inseparable since. She liked his way with words, “like a walking, talking Hallmark card.” He...
Kentucky records significant increase in overdose deaths as COVID-19 pandemic worsens opioid crisis
By Suhail Bhat
Ohio Valley Resource
New federal data shows the coronavirus pandemic has contributed to the country’s deadliest 12-month period for drug overdose fatalities, including a sharp increase in overdose deaths in the Ohio Valley.
According to the latest data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 81,000 people died due to drug overdoses in the 12 months from May 2019...
Smoking during pregnancy can cause long-term problems for babies; stop smoking now
By Maridith Yahl
KyForward reporter
Smoking during pregnancy affects how the baby takes in oxygen, how the baby develops and has negative effects which can present from birth into adulthood.
“When a mother smokes while pregnant, the baby is absorbing carbon monoxide, nicotine, and other cancer-causing chemicals in cigarettes,” says Cady Cornell, Tobacco Health Educator, Northern Kentucky Health...
Beshear goes into quarantine on Sunday after security staff member tests positive for COVID-19
By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today
Gov. Andy Beshear announced Sunday he and his family have gone into quarantine at the Governor’s Mansion after a member of his security detail tested positive for the coronavirus.
In a YouTube vide posted Sunday afternoon, Beshear said, “The Beshear family has been committed, since the start of COVID-19, to setting an example, of doing all those things we’re asking...
A Kentucky example shows how CDC’s slow, cautious approach to pandemic contributed to spread
A bombshell USA Today package details how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention failed to effectively respond to the growing pandemic, adding to its spread across the United States — especially in small towns and rural areas.
“Reporters reviewed 42,000 pages of emails and memos obtained from health departments and interviewed more than 100 community leaders and public health experts,...
Dr. Ty Sullivan: Don’t let COVID-19 prevent your child’s annual doctor visit; check immunizations
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the way of life in Kentucky, our country and across the world. In recent months, stay-at-home orders, mask-wearing and social distancing measures have created a “new normal,” and all of us have put activities on hold to reduce the spread of the virus.
But one activity that you should not put on hold is a child’s annual doctor visit.
With schools back in session...
Kentucky’s childhood immunization rates have plummeted during the coronavirus pandemic
By Nadia Ramlagan
Public News Service
There’s been a sharp decline in vaccination rates among Kentucky children since the onset of the coronavirus. And health experts say they are concerned about the confluence of COVID-19, flu season and the potential for other infectious-disease outbreaks.
The state’s Department of Medicaid Services reports among Medicaid recipients, from March through...
Many of America’s faithful say it is time to return to church, but some governors continue to disagree
By Lindsey Van Ness
Pew Charitable Trusts
Gathering to pray feels more important than ever for many Americans of faith, as COVID-19 cases top 2 million in the United States and communities roil with anger about police brutality and systemic racism.
Yet many governors and city leaders still prohibit large religious gatherings, angering some clergy — even those who backed pandemic-related restrictions...
KDE releases guidance on alternative learning strategies for reopening schools this fall
The Kentucky Department of Education released guidance Monday on ways to safely structure instruction and learning when schools reopen in the fall.
The document, “COVID-19 Considerations for Reopening Schools: Alternative Learning Design Strategies,” explores a variety of learning and instruction models for districts to consider that prioritize safety during the pandemic, along with learning progression....
With interest in backyard chickens on the rise, experts warn of dangers of bacterial infections
By Aimee Nielson
University of Kentucky
When school is out and the weather turns warmer, people become more interested in raising backyard chickens. Since human interactions with poultry can raise the risk of bacterial infections, University of Kentucky poultry specialists are urging new and experienced backyard flock enthusiasts to remember safe handling principles.
“We’re seeing an even higher...
What you should know about pediatric multi-symptom inflammatory syndrome and COVID-19
By Dr. Sean McTigue
Kentucky Children’s Hospital
There have been reports coming out of New York and other states that have been hit hard by the coronavirus about a complication experienced by children who have tested positive for COVID-19. Known as pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome (PMIS), doctors and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have made a connection between this...
Ky. American Water to conduct system flushing; temporary changes to drinking water disinfection
Kentucky American Water will soon conduct its annual water system flushing program, which involves crews opening selected fire hydrants throughout the water distribution system and letting them flow for several minutes.
This is an essential maintenance activity that assists in providing excellent quality water to customers because it helps remove natural sediment that can build up in water pipes over...
Constance Alexander: ‘Joy is always imperiled’ the fictional doctor said, but Gov. Beshear delivers hope
On December 30, a Chinese physician, Dr. Li Wenliang, 34, tried to alert fellow medics about the coronavirus outbreak in China’s Wuhan Province. His message to fellow doctors in a chat group warned them about the disease and advised that they wear protective clothing to avoid infection. Three days later police paid him a visit and told him to stop, as if it were a crime to inform the public of impending...
Why has coronavirus had a heavier impact on African Americans? Answers are in economics, sociology
The coronavirus is having a heavier effect on African Americans, putting new attention on the disparities in their health and the socioeconomic factors that influence health.
Preliminary figures show that 12 percent of the Kentucky deaths attributed to COVID-19 were among African Americans, who comprise 8.3 percent of the state’s population. Even greater disparities have been found in other states,...
Governor vows crackdown if guidelines ignored as Kentucky records 45th coronavirus-related death
Staff report
Gov. Andy Beshear reported 38 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, bringing Kentucky’s total cases to 955. Of those at least 306 have recovered. There were five new deaths reported, bringing the total deaths to 45.
Click image for CDC information on masks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated their guidance on the wearing of masks by the general public. According...
Gov. Beshear announces more actions aimed at protecting Kentucky families in COVID-19 pandemic
Gov. Andy Beshear Wednesday announced more actions he is taking to help combat the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and protect Kentuckians.
“This is our duty. This is the challenge that we face in our lifetimes,” Gov. Beshear said of people doing their part to stop the coronavirus. “None of us have seen anything like this before, but I believe we are up to it. I believe we can do this,...
Gov. Beshear acts to limit spread of COVID-19; includes guidance for closure of government offices
Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced additional steps to contain and limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
“It’s my job to protect my family and friends, but I believe it’s all of our civic duty to protect our communities,” Beshear said. “I will use every resource in this state, every dollar at my disposal, every personnel that we have, to do everything we can to protect everyone’s...
New influenza cases in Kentucky dropped slightly in last week of February; vaccine remains best defense
In the last week of February, Kentucky reported fewer new cases of influenza and fewer deaths from it than it did the week before.
The latest weekly report from the state Department for Public Health shows that in the week ending Feb. 29, Kentucky counted 1,591 new cases, down from 1,943 new cases the previous week. Five flu deaths were reported in the state, down from 14 the previous week and 16...
First case of 2019 novel coronavirus in Kentucky reported, Gov. Beshear declares state of emergency
KyForward staff
The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is reporting Kentucky’s first case of COVID-19 (2019 novel coronavirus).
While the risk to the general public is low, health officials are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) to identify and contact all those who may have come in contact with the person.
Gov....
Number of new flu cases in Kentucky drops slightly; 66 adults have died from flu complications this year
The number of new cases of influenza dropped slightly in Kentucky during the second week of February, but 16 more adults in the state were reported to have died from the flu. So far, 66 Kentuckians have died from it this season, four under the age of 18, according to the state Department for Public Health.
The latest weekly report shows that in the week ending Feb. 15, Kentucky counted 1,854 new cases,...
