Five Things to Know Today
Good morning! Well, yesterday was the day – I got tested for COVID-19. Let me tell you about it.
I drove to the testing site in Shawnee Park. Law enforcement vehicles at the entrance pointed the way to the testing site. When I got to the line to be tested, there were four cars in front of me, so not too crowded.
I have to say, I was impressed with the organization and efficiency of the process. There were four stations: the initial check-in to make sure you had your ID and your appointment printout, the one to check you in against your appointment reservation, the one to double-check your information and ask you some health questions, and the actual testing station. At all four, you rolled your window down about an inch (they measured) in order to talk with the person, then you rolled it back up.
As you moved through the process, the people working were increasingly “PPE-ed” (new word): first a mask, then a mask and gloves, them mask-gloves-gown, and finally the whole thing including face shield.
The test itself was simple and mildly unpleasant. They give you a swab in a sealed package that you open and take out. The swab looks sort of like those bristle-y things you can use between your teeth, except it’s longer and with much smaller bristles.
You insert that swab into your nostril and push it back as far as you can, then spin it twice, then hold it in place so it collects what’s back there. Then you pull it out and do the same thing on the other side. After you do, they hold out a glass vial and you place the swab in the vial, which they then seal and label. And you’re done.
Yes, it stung when it was back in there. Caused a little tearing in the eyes, and sneezes after I left. But worth it? Absolutely.
They said I would get my results in 3-4 days. Since this is the Kroger Little Clinic testing, I can log into that web site to see the results.
So, if you haven’t signed up to get tested, do it today. Go to KyCOVID19.ky.gov and find a testing location near you. It takes about 20 minutes, and it’s how we keep this virus from infecting more and more people.
Follow the guidelines (hands, face, space!), wash your hands, and wear your masks. It’s how we get through this, together. #TeamKentucky
Bruce Maples, publisher
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Lower the risk by hands, face, space – 5/20 update
As the holiday weekend approaches and he allows gatherings of up to 10 people, Gov. Andy Beshear is urging Kentuckians to focus on three areas to minimize risk of coronavirus infection: their hands, their face, and their space. (Forward Kentucky)
IG investigating McConnell’s wife fired by Trump
President Donald Trump fired another Inspector General last week, and this one was reportedly investigating Elaine Chao, the wife of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and the secretary of the Department of Transportation. (Forward Kentucky)
Sixteen House Dems endorse Booker
Sixteen Democratic members of the KY House have come out in support of Rep. Charles Booker for the Democratic nomination to the U.S. Senate seat. Story includes list, and statements from House Dem leadership. (Forward Kentucky)
New KY poll shows interesting mixed bag for Dems in 2020
Public Policy Polling, one of the leading polling companies in the country, has just released a new poll of voters in Kentucky, and it contains some interesting possibilities for Kentucky Democrats. (Forward Kentucky)
“Louisville wrote the book on talking” – Councilwoman calls out mayor and police, demands action
In response to the shooting death of Breonna Taylor by Louisville Metro Police, and the subsequent actions and initiatives proposed by other elected officials, Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4) released this statement. (Forward Kentucky)
Did you miss any of these?
Featured Content on Forward Kentucky
([new] indicates new since last Forward Five; 🔥 indicates lots of reads)
— News —
[new] City, county governments to get $300M from CARES Act – Gov. Beshear announced a $300 million award to city and county governments as part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. (read)
[new] 48 Kentucky groups call on Congress for robust federal fiscal relief to states – Activist and non-profit groups across Kentucky have jointly signed a letter calling on Congress to provide fiscal relief to states to offset the impact of the pandemic on state revenues and budgets. (read)
[new] Planning a get-together? Here’s the guidance. – This Friday we can start having people over, and we need to do it safely. Use this guidance for your own event, and share it with others. (read)
[new] Most one-day deaths, but trendline nearly flat; as reopenings loom, Beshear warns, ‘Let’s not screw it up’ – Before and after he gave the day’s statistics, he gave Kentuckians the same advice he says his father, former Gov. Steve Beshear, often gave him at big moments: “Son, this is really important. Don’t screw it up.” (read)
[new] Unusual or not, preparations continue for June 23 primary – Despite it likely being the most unusual one in state history, preparations are on schedule for Kentucky’s June 23 primary election. The coronavirus has played a role, not only in when the election will take place, but the manner in how it will be conducted. (read)
🔥 We’re still getting an F on our census test. C’mon folks, do better! – Back in the dark ages when I was in school, you needed a 65% or better to pass. Based on that, Kentucky is still failing at the census. (Includes interactive map showing rate by county) (read and view)
—Commentary—
[new] Reparations for white people – The Right stays outraged over reparations to the descendants of slaves. The irony is, we already have a system of reparations — only it’s for white people. (read)
🔥 Conservatives: “Let’s play COVID Roulette!” – I continue to be amazed at the people, primarily conservatives, who just ignore the random nature of the COVID-19 virus, and want all of us to join them in playing COVID Roulette. (read)
🔥 So, you’re willing to kill for the “economy.” – If you have a family member / friend / online troll who keeps yelling “FREEDOM! I don’t need a mask — I’m not a coward! This is government overreach! Its my life — if I want to take my chances and die that’s my right!” – then feel free to tell them “So, you’re willing to kill for the economy.” (read)
— Policy —
Without child care, work and family are impossible – There is no such thing as the so-called work/family conflict. Good jobs – full-time, with benefits – and family, without help, are simply incompatible. (read)
— Action —
🔥 [new] Here’s how to vote in the June primary – Here’s an infographic that explains clearly and concisely how to vote in the upcoming primary. View it, print it, post it, share it, do it! (view and share)
— Media —
Kentucky’s contact tracing – the video – Here’s the video shared in Monday’s coronavirus press conference about Kentucky’s new contact tracing program. (watch)
[podcast] COVID lawsuits, Breonna Taylor killed by LMPD, and interview with Will Barnett – Discussion about state efforts on COVID, incl a rundown of all the lawsuits; the killing of Breonna Taylor by LMPD; and an Interview of Will Barnett. (listen)
Posts with Most Social Media Shares in Past Fourteen Days
(🔥 indicates post with surge of recent shares)
- Kentucky garbage man hadn’t seen elderly woman’s trash can out, rightly felt something was amiss. (1,000+ shares)
- We have a debate! (1,000+ shares)
- 🔥 We’re still getting an F on our census test. C’mon folks, do better! (802 shares)
- Legislative leaders give Beshear high marks for handling of coronavirus (765 shares)
- So, you’re willing to kill for the “economy.” (366 shares)
The Forward 5 is published Monday to Friday by Forward Kentucky, an independent media organization focused on progressive news and issues in Kentucky, and is re-posted with permission. You can sign up for the email version of the newsletter on their website.
