Kentucky Experiences Highest COVID-19 Spike After Protests to Reopen State; Bill Cosby Denied Early Release From Jail Despite Coronavirus Risk; and Florida Beaches Slammed Within Half Hour of Reopening.
On Sunday, democratic Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced that the state had 273 new confirmed cases of COVID-19.
This sets a grim new record, representing the highest single-day increase of infections to date. The increase comes right after protestors spent the week taking to the streets calling for the state to reopen.
“We are still in the midst of this fight against a deadly and highly contagious virus,” said Gov. Beshear during his daily news conference.
“Let’s make sure, as much as we’re looking at those benchmarks and we’re looking at the future, that we are acting in the present and we are doing the things that it takes to protect one another,” he said.
During a news conference on Wednesday, protestors gathered right outside of the room where it took place, yelling, “Open up Kentucky!” and “You’re not a king!”
“We do have some folks up here in Kentucky today, saying we should reopen Kentucky immediately, right now,” said Gov. Beshear of the protestors. “Folks, that would kill people. It would absolutely kill people.”
With the 273 newly confirmed infections, it brings Kentucky’s coronavirus case total to 2,960. Four new deaths were announced by Gov. Beshear on Sunday, bringing up the total number of fatalities to 148.
Related: Michigan Protesters Defy Lockdowns, Citing Civil Liberties
Despite a coronavirus outbreak inside of the facility where he is housed, Bill Cosby has been denied an early release to protect his health.
The 82-year-old comedian is currently serving a three to 10 year sentence at SCI Phoenix in Skippack, Pennsylvania. He was found guilty in 2018 of aggravated sexual assault.
An announcement by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf last Friday revealed a plan to “temporarily relieve” inmates at risk of contracting and spreading the virus.
Some believed this might offer a chance for Bill Cosby to be freed early, but a spokesman from the Department of Corrections said, “Sex offenders are not eligible under the reprieve criteria.”
However, Bill Cosby’s representative, Andrew Wyatt, says he believes it is dangerous to keep Cosby behind bars considering his age and poor health.
In an interview with Fox News, Wyatt said:
“All elderly inmates like Mr. Cosby could succumb to this virus. It seems it’s more politically motivated and personally motivated to not let this man out. It’s very upsetting and disappointing.”
Earlier this month an inmate inside the facility died from COVID-19. 13 staffers have tested positive for coronavirus, along with twenty-one prisoners.
Related: Bill Cosby Isn’t Doing So Well in Prison
On April 17, Florida beaches were reopened as officials eased social distancing measures—which resulted in hordes of people flocking to the seaside.
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry told locals that they should still follow social distancing guidelines and should only visit the beach for “essential activities.”
He said, “This can be the beginning of the pathway back to normal life. Please respect and follow these limitations. Stay within the guidelines for your safety as well as for the safety of your neighbors.”
Curry also posted on Twitter, encouraging people to stay safe and responsible.
“We remain under a State and local safer at home order. Limited access to the beaches/parks is for recreational activities only. No chairs, coolers, sitting/groups congregating. Public safety workers will break up groups. Use these spaces responsibly. Don’t ruin this for everyone,” he wrote.
However, within 26 minutes of the beaches reopening, large crowds of people spilled onto the sand, prompting locals to call the move to reopen “idiotic,” using their cellphones.
“Great job @GovRonDeSantis and @lennycurry. Nothing like taking your parachute off 1,000 feet before landing,” said one user on Twitter.
Another commented, “The stupidity is strong in Florida.”
Yet another said, “My heart dropped. This affects more than just Florida. I can’t joke about it. It’s not meme time. This constant refusal to accept reality. The constant need to make everything a conspiracy. Even in the face of death… God help us.”
Related: Majority of US Beaches Test Positive for Fecal Bacteria
