FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Testing will become a critical component to helping Kentucky re-open during the pandemic.
On Friday, Gov. Andy Beshear outlined benchmarks Kentucky must meet in order to start reopening the state's economy. He said these benchmarks would determine the phases for reopening parts of the economy:
- 14 days of decreasing cases
- Increased testing capacity and contact tracing
- Personal protective equipment availability
- Ability to protect at-risk populations
- Ability to social distance and follow CDC guidelines on gatherings
- Preparedness for possible future spike
- Status of vaccine and treatment
“So 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,” Gov. Beshear said.
As far as testing goes, the governor urged people to sign up for testing at four drive-thru sites this week. From Tuesday to Thursday, people can get tested for the coronavirus in Madisonville, Paducah, Somerset, and Pikeville.
“We need people in those areas, in the general geographic areas to sign up,” Beshear said. “The sites want to do more than 300 tests per day. I want to make sure we do every single one of those tests each day. Now, we have more than 300 in each of the regions that fall into those that are eligible. We need you to go ahead and start signing up.”
People interested in the test can sign up online.
In order to be eligible for it, you must have COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, shortness of breath, and cough. You can also qualify if you are a health care worker or a first responder who may have been exposed to the coronavirus. People with any mild symptoms, like a runny nose or sore throat, who may have been exposed to COVID-19 also may be eligible.
The testing is free and results take about 48 hours.
