COVID-19 Status – Saturday, March 14

DEM Blogger

March 14, 2020

Saturday, March 14, 2020

There are 4 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Fayette County as of 10pm.

Kroger food stores announced that all stores will be open at 7am and close at 9pm.

Walmart stores will open at 6am and close at 11pm.

Saturday, March 14, 2020

Officials at Baptist Health Lexington are reporting a patient who has tested positive for #COVID19. The patient is being treated in isolation and all precautions are being taken to protect the patient and the staff.

COVID-19 is an emerging disease and the health department is staying up-to-date on the latest information.

To help answer the community’s questions about COVID-19, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is operating a call center for members of the public. Questions can be asked by calling (859) 899-2222 during regular business hours or emailing COVID19@lfchd.org. Additional information, including frequently asked questions, can be found at lfchd.org and on the LFCHD social media accounts. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LFCHD, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LFCHD and Instagram at @lexpublichealth.

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Friday, March 13, 2020

Mayor Linda Gorton and Commissioner of Health Dr. Kraig Humbaugh said today there are two additional COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases in Kentucky, including one in a Fayette County resident. The other case was reported in Jefferson County.

Health officials are working with the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) to identify and speak with all those who may have come in close contact with the two people. These individuals will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms. There are now 10 confirmed cases in Kentucky.

Additional details about the people involved cannot be provided because of medical privacy laws.

The health department and Mayor Gorton announced Thursday that beginning Friday, March 13, organizers should consider postponing or canceling all public, in-person events as part of the region’s COVID-19 response. Gov. Andy Beshear recommended Thursday evening that starting Monday, March 16, all public and private schools in Kentucky should close.

“Although this will be painful for some groups, we know we must do everything we can to protect the lives of our citizens,” Gorton said.

COVID-19 is thought to be primarily spread through close contact with those who are infected, so transmission is possible within gatherings. Limiting physical contact with others can help reduce the spread of the disease, protecting those at highest risk of severe illness, such as seniors, and those with chronic diseases. When possible, organizers should consider alternate options to in-person gatherings for accomplishing the goals of their event, such as using technology as way for people to participate.

Lexington Updates Plan for COVID-19 Prevention Among the Homeless Population

Fayette County Public Schools will CLOSE from March 16 to April 3.  Schools will reopen on April 6.

The Lexington Public Library Branches will close on at 6pm on March 13 and reopen on April 6.

Lexington suspends programs for seniors.

Blue Grass Airport offers advice for air travelers.

The latest news about COVID-19 from Governor Andy Beshear

The health department offered these tips to continue to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Practice social-distancing when at all possible.

COVID-19 is an emerging disease and the health department is staying up-to-date on the latest information.

To help answer the community’s questions about COVID-19, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is operating a call center for members of the public. Questions can be asked by calling (859) 899-2222 during regular business hours or emailing COVID19@lfchd.org. Additional information, including frequently asked questions, can be found at lfchd.org and on the LFCHD social media accounts. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LFCHD, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LFCHD and Instagram at @lexpublichealth.

The City is also providing updates on lexingtonky.gov. Click on COVID-19 information.