Following in the footsteps of Greenville, its county seat, Muhlenberg County has initiated a curfew.
Muhlenberg County Judge-Executive Curtis McGehee announced the curfew Tuesday. The curfew will be in effect from 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. until further notice.
McGehee said he instituted the curfew after receiving multiple reports of people congregating in parking lots around the county, defying social distancing mandates. The executive order prohibits the congregation of 10 more people in a public place. Of course, exceptions are in place regarding essential workers, and people traveling to and from work and the store. Drive-up and drive-thru church services are also exempt from the order.
He said local law enforcement will enforce the curfew.
“When you keep yourself safe, and healthy, you, in fact, are potentially keeping your neighbors safe, and healthy as well; you’re potentially keeping your family members safe and healthy also,” McGehee said.
Muhlenberg County, with a population of about 31,000, has 29 confirmed coronavirus victims. Contributing to Muhlenberg County’s COVID-19 cases are nine inmates and five staff members at Green River Correctional Complex being diagnosed with the virus.
Also adding to Muhlenberg County’s COVID-19 cases is a church revival service held in mid-March in Dawson Springs, in neighboring Hopkins County, that officials say is responsible for well over 30 cases in the region.
Hopkins County, with a population of about 46,000, has an astounding 73 confirmed cases of the virus, as that county continues to report daily double-digit cases, including 11 new cases on Tuesday.
Four people in Hopkins County have perished as a result of the virus. All four deaths are tied to the Dawson Springs revival service. So far, 19 Hopkins County COVID-19 victims have recovered.
According to the latest numbers, it appears Hopkins County has the third highest number of cases in Kentucky, behind considerably more densely populated Jefferson County (402) and Fayette County (170). Daviess County is fourth in the state with 63 cases.
Jefferson County has reported a state-leading 27 COVID-19 deaths while Fayette County has seven.
Surrounding counties’ COVID-19 cases
Ohio County Judge-Executive David Johnston said Tuesday his county has eight confirmed cases of the virus, but several victims are recovering.
“We have some that are well on their way to recovery,” he said. “And maybe some of those by the end of this week or next week will go on the recovery list.”
Edmonson County has six confirmed cases and Hart County, the remaining coronavirus holdout among counties bordering Grayson County, recently reported its first confirmed COVID-19 case. Breckinridge County has four confirmed cases of the virus, while Butler County has two.
Hardin County has experienced a surge in cases, as that county now has 18 confirmed coronavirus victims. Over a recent four day period, Hardin County’s cases doubled. Five victims have recovered.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
