While Novel Coronavirus Continues to Spread, Kentucky Governor Unifies Citizens

By Elizabeth Heuser

The novel coronavirus has given rise to a world-sweeping pandemic, affecting each person differently. As the loneliness of quarantine continues, citizens of Kentucky can feel a sense of togetherness through shared struggles and Gov. Andy Beshear.

While schools are being closed, people are being forced out of jobs or to work from home, and medical personnel are risking their lives to defeat COVID-19, many are feeling the effects of a slow descent into a strikingly abnormal routine. Kentucky governor Andy Beshear attempts to calm these fears with transparency through reassuring daily COVID-19 updates.

Gabby Floro, a 19-year-old second year student at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, said “[a]t the time [of her school closing she] didn’t think it was that severe or that we would be impacted by [the virus].”

Caroline Flaherty, a second year student at Miami University from Louisville, Kentucky, supports colleges making accommodations and being understanding during this unprecedented time, recognizing that students “can’t do schoolwork the same” anymore.

Many students like these two, as well as many others in the community, experienced a rapid change in their usual routines, and many acknowledged the accommodations that would need to come with it, as did Gov. Beshear, who announced a “healthy at home” idea on March 26.

A very different perspective comes from 16-year-old high school student Mason Christensen, who has Type 1 diabetes.

Christensen said that “[h]aving diabetes, … [he] knew [the virus] would be significantly more dangerous for [him].”

For Christensen, he and those around him are reminded that the virus itself is real and dangerously affecting people rather than just closing businesses and schools.

In a time of so much uncertainty for many, Gov. Andy Beshear continues to reassure and provide transparency for the commonwealth of Kentucky.

One citizen said Beshear provides “a lot of Kentuckians with a sense of stability and predictability during a time when the news cycle is moving so fast.”

“He’s just been very decisive and tactful with his words, and I feel like I’ve not been left in the dark in any way,” said another Kentuckian.

Although this is a time of so much uncertainty, fear, and “new normals,” Andy Beshear leads Kentucky with a focus on transparency, stability, and unity, motivating and reassuring many in the commonwealth.

In opposition to these sentiments, President Donald Trump has provided conflicting messages and rash actions in response to the pandemic.

The president tweeted on February 24 praising the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the World Health Organization for their knowledge and work in keeping the virus under control. However, less than two months later, President Trump announced he was halting funding to the WHO after he was disappointed with their coronavirus response. These “conflicting messages from the White House” can feel troubling at such an uncertain time for many, according to state leaders.

With predictions of when society will return to normal ranging from “it already should be” to “it will never return to normal,” the COVID-19 pandemic proves itself to be a test of persistence for every community. With many continuing to not follow social distance and quarantine guidelines, as well as people being tired of doing so for so long, no one is able to predict a definitive end to this chaotic lifestyle.

However, echoing the sentiments of Gov. Andy Beshear, “[w]e’re going to make it through this.”