Service marks four years since first confirmed COVID-19 case in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) -Four years ago, on March 6, 2020, Kentucky recorded its first confirmed case of COVID-19.

From there, life would change for nearly everyone in the state, and in the world, as the virus would soon start the pandemic stage. Hospitals would fill up and there would be a lot of deaths.

Our way of life would change drastically.

Governor Andy Beshear and others marked the anniversary during a service at the state capitol.

Bells were rung to mark the number of deadly cases of COVID-19 during the pandemic, and on Wednesday, Kandie Adkinson rang a bell 120 times for each county in the state, a symbol of a virus that impacted everyone.

“It really brings back even more powerful memories, even more so for the Governor and his immediate staff who heard that every day in this very rotunda,” said Dr. Steven Stack, Kentucky’s Public Health Commissioner.

March 6, 2020, was when Beshear announced the first confirmed case of COVID. From there, it would escalate to more than 19,000 deaths and a drastic change in the way of life.

“This is one of the most historical events any of us have lived through, so marking today, not running from it, but talking about it, is really important,” said Beshear.

A lot was said about the Governor’s daily briefings. Leroy Mitchell said that gave him hope and motivation.

“I drew upon his strength and how he was dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic to help me not give up,” said Mitchell.

Virginia Moore became a big part of the briefings. Moore passed away ten months ago.

“A lot of other states got communication because Virginia made a face on TV. They all loved her. The dynamic duo became famous nationally,” said Rowena “Row” Holloway, Moore’s partner.

“And we just repeated over and over again, ‘we are going to get through it, we are going to get through it together.’ And I think as months went by, we knew we were strong enough,” said Beshear.

Beshear also signed a proclamation naming March 6, 2024 as “A Day of Compassion.”

Beshear also said the COVID memorial beside the state capitol is the only one of its kind in the country.

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