Gov. Beshear has continued to take decisive action since the first case was confirmed in Kentucky. To date, Gov. Beshear has:
- Declared a state of emergency to ensure the state has every resource available to respond
- Issued an executive order to prohibit price gouging
- Announced Kentucky’s COVID-19 informational website, kycovid19.ky.gov and issued extensive guidance on when to seek care and when to call the state’s hotline, 1-800-722-5725
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Issued an executive order to waive copays, deductibles, cost-sharing and diagnostic testing fees for private insurance and state employees and asked providers to expand their networks to patients that may go outside their normal providers
- Announced that those without insurance will be able to get a test in Kentucky
- Announced strong actions to protect the state’s most vulnerable populations by limiting visitation to senior care and long-term care facilities
- Signed an executive order allowing pharmacies to refill prescriptions for up to 30 days to ensure those vulnerable communities or those who need to self-isolate will have their needed prescriptions
- Closed all state prisons to visitors
- Activated the State Health Operations Center and the State Emergency Operations Center, currently at level three
- Recommended the temporary closure of senior centers to help halt the spread of the virus for those most vulnerable
- Announced that Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance (KEMI) will provide wage replacement benefits for first responders and medical personnel who have been quarantined for COVID-19
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Announced new guidance that state boards and commissions cancel any scheduled in-person meetings and instead use video teleconference technology
- Recommended schools cease in-person classes beginning Monday, March 16, and as of Friday, March 14, all 172 school districts, the Kentucky School for the Blind and Kentucky School for the Deaf had announced closures
- Announced USDA approved the state’s waiver to serve meals during non-traditional instruction days
- Announced the state is taking swift action to get the passengers from the Grand Princess cruise ship back home
- Issued guidance to state agencies to allow telecommuting where possible to decrease on-site staffing by up to 50 percent to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and suspended out-of-state travel for state employees
- Recommended businesses also utilize telecommuting and allow employees to work from home if possible
- Advised that all community gatherings be canceled|
- Provided tips and guidance to assist with physical and mental health during a pandemic
- Recommended childcare centers create plans so if needed they can close within 72 hours
- Asked hospitals cease elective procedures by Wednesday, March 18
- Held daily and most days, twice-a-day media and Facebook live briefings to inform Kentuckians and provide recommended health and safety guidance
More information
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages people to follow these steps to prevent illness. Kentuckians can find regular updates and resources including more information about when to seek medical attention and courses of action for those in counties with positive cases at kycovid19.ky.gov. They are also urged to visit cdc.gov/coronavirus for up-to-date information. Kentuckians who want advice can call the state hotline at 1.800.722.5725 or call their local health care provider.
To read Gov. Beshear’s news releases and watch other news regarding COVID-19 visit governor.ky.gov.
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Mayor's daily briefing:
Mayor Greg Fischer announced a temporary closure, effective immediately, of all 17 Louisville Free Public Library locations, 13 community centers, the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center and some indoor Zoo attractions. Additionally, two historic homes operated by Louisville Metro Parks & Recreation– Historic Locust Grove and Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing, will close for tours and programs. The grounds at both sites will remain open to the public. LEARN MORE.
Mayor Fischer announces One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund
Mayor Greg Fischer announced today that Louisville Metro Government, the Community Foundation of Louisville, Metro United Way and other community partners have created an emergency response fund to rapidly deploy resources to individuals and community-based organizations impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak in our region.
The One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund will provide flexible funding resources for rental assistance, childcare assistance, transportation aid, food access, utility assistance, pharmaceutical needs and other support as determined, via $1,000 payments to eligible households. Funds will also be made available to community-based organizations that are being hit hard by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more and contribute here.
Mayor Fischer also had a call with members of the Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA). The city is working to find ways to help Louisville's great local businesses through this crisis.
- The city is establishing a small business resource page on Louisvilleky.gov/LouisvilleForward to see what federal, state and local resources may be available to help small businesses and their employees now.
- The city is working to identify additional resources and assistance to help small business owners, and will get that information out soon.
- The Mayor has spoken with business owners who were concerned about making rent. On the residential side, evictions have been suspended for 30 days. On the business side, he encourages all business owners to talk to their landlords.
FYI:
The Louisville Metro Government website is complete with updated information about COVID-19, including information from Mayor Greg Fischer’s briefings. Click here to be transferred to site: here.
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As the community comes together to fight the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Greg Fischer stressed the need to keep our spirits up and stay connected, despite the “social distance” between us. The Mayor announced the creation of Lift Up Lou, an effort joined by numerous local organizations and individuals to boost spirits, entertain, educate, and provide health and exercise options.
Every day, followers of the @LiftUpLou social media channels can count on:
- A morning exercise option
- An afternoon education lesson
- An afternoon entertainment session
- A mindfulness exercise to finish up the day
Lift Up Lou has already begun posting uplifting and engaging content to social media:
- Chef Edward Lee and the Lee Initiative have turned the restaurant 610 Magnolia into a relief center for restaurant workers who have been laid off or have had a significant reduction in hours and/or pay. They are offering help for those in dire need of food and supplies. Learn more at leeinitiative.org.
- If you’ve got cabin fever, get outside! Visit Jefferson Memorial Forest, Kentucky's largest forest. Remember to keep a safe social distance of at least 6 feet from other hikers. Share your hiking selfies with us via #LiftUpLou.
- You can listen to Louisville Free Public Library talks via the LFPL podcast at lfpl.org/podcast.html or on your handheld device – just look for "At the Library" on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
- The Louisville Zoo may be closed, but you can visit virtually. Go to LouisvilleZoo.org/LiftUpLou to find crafts and educational activities to stay connected to the animal world.
- Ready to stay fit or start a new routine? Check out this awesome, no equipment, workout plan from darebee.com. They have hundreds of workouts available for free.
- A great way to keep your brain sharp is to learn a new language. There are tons of free resources online, and Duolingo.com is a great place to start. They offer 20+ language courses with free and paid options.
For more information on the Lift Up Lou initiative, visit liftuplou.com or go to @LiftUpLou on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. The website will include tips on activities the family can enjoy during this time, links to social media pages, ways for the public to share ideas on how to boost community morale, and a button that will allow individuals, groups, or organizations to donate to the One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund.
 Invitations to participate in the 2020 U.S. Census were mailed this week, and all Kentuckians should have their Census forms by April 1. On Thursday, Governor Andy Beshear joined representatives of the U.S. Census to urge every Kentuckian to complete the Census. The results of the 2020 Census could have a big impact on cities. Read more.
Work for the U.S. Census Bureau - apply online
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The U.S. Census Bureau has employment opportunities at the Louisville Area Census Office. Full-time and part-time positions are available, including recruiting assistant, census field supervisor, officer operations supervisor, enumerator and clerk. Hourly pay rates range from $19.50 to $23.50 per hour. Apply online now. For more information about available jobs or assistance with applying online, call 1-888-480-1639 or 1-855-562-2020.
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Mayor Fischer's press briefing on Thursday. Here’sthe link:
https://www.facebook.com/MayorGregFischer/videos/224268201992233/
Thursday's press release:
https://louisvilleky.gov/news/mayor-fischer-announces-lift-lou-raise-spirits-and-keep-residents-connected-during-covid-19
Visit here for Governor's Office updated press releases:
https://governor.ky.gov/news
JCPS data:
JCPS is adding 13 additional Emergency Food Sites, bringing the total number of sites to 58, 16 of them mobile.
The number of meals distributed Thursday was up about 20% over Tuesday. Here are the numbers:
5,141 Breakfasts 5,187 Lunches 10,328 Total
Small Business Resources COVID-19
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-forward/small-business-resources-covid-19
COVID-19 Response: Community & Agency Actions Taken to Assist Our Most Vulnerable
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/covid-19-response-community-agency-actions-taken-assist-our-most
The State Capitol Annex is closed to everyone but legislators, essential staff, LRC-credentialed media, and specifically-approved individuals. Other visitors will temporarily not be allowed in the Annex at a time when health officials discourage large crowds from gathering to help contain and mitigate the possible spread of the COVID-19.
Kentuckians have numerous ways to stay connected to the work of the General Assembly even if they can’t come to the Capitol Campus.
- Kentucky Educational Television (KET) covers all Senate and House proceedings, and many legislative committee meetings. The proceedings are livestreamed on KET’s Legislative Coverage web page at: https://www.ket.org/legislature/. LRC is planning to provide online streaming of legislative standing committee meetings that aren’t covered by KET. (More details to come.)
- To leave feedback on an issue with lawmakers, call the General Assembly’s Message Line at 1-800-372-7181. A Spanish-language line is available by calling 1-866-840-6574. Kentuckians with hearing loss can use Kentucky Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
- To directly reach a lawmaker’s office, call 502-564-8100. An operator will transfer the call to the office of the lawmaker you want to reach.
“During this period of taking precautions related to the COVID-19 virus, Louisville MSD will continue to provide services. If you have a sanitary sewer or drainage need, MSD Customer Relations at 502-587-0603, will be staffed to take your request. As we do our work in the community, we will not approach property owners to keep appropriate social distances.
You have probably heard about large purchases of toilet paper and sanitary wipes. Toilet paper is acceptable to go down the drain because it breaks down in water, but we would advise that wipes that may or may not be labeled “flushable” should never be flushed down the toilet. Wipes can clog pipes inside buildings, or sewers that could impact your street and neighborhood.”
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Household assistance
Households seeking assistance should call their nearest Neighborhood Place location. Those locations are closed to walk-ins but will have drop-boxes available to leave verification documents required for getting assistance.
To be eligible for support, individuals/households must be Jefferson County residents with an income at or below 100 percent of Area Median Income (AMI), which is determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The AMI for the Louisville region is $76,400 for a four-person family (100 percent AMI).
Applicants will be asked to offer proof of identity and supporting documents that demonstrate a loss of earned income due to the COVID-19 pandemic due to medical reasons, business closure, or school closure.
To find a Neighborhood Place in their area, residents may call Metro311 or (502) 574-5000, or visit www.louisvilleky.gov/neighborhoodplace.
Assistance for community-based organizations
The One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund also seeks to address both short-term needs of nonprofit organizations, as well as reserve funding to address longer-term potential impacts.
Community-based organizations seeking assistance should contact the Community Foundation of Louisville at (502) 585-4649 or go to https://www.cflouisville.org/.
In order to move resources quickly and not further burden organizations at the frontline of this outbreak, there is no formal application process during the initial round of funding. Funds will be released on a rolling basis as fundraising continues throughout the outbreak and recovery phases, making it possible to move resources quickly and adapt to evolving needs in subsequent funding phases.
The One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund expects to make an initial round of grants in April.
To donate, please visit: COVID-19 Response Fund
Crisis Component of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is underway, will continue until funds have been expended
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The program that helps prevent low income residents of Jefferson County from being disconnected from utility services is underway. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is administered by the Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services. The crisis component will run through March 31, or until available funds have been expended, whichever comes first.
To apply, residents must schedule an appointment using the automated appointment system at 991-8391 or online. For details on eligibility requirements and required documentation, click here.
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Grocery Store Hours, Curbside Pickup & Delivery
Kroger
For specific store information click the following link, https://www.kroger.com/i/coronavirus-update/store-information
To order curbside pickup or delivery please click the following link, https://www.kroger.com/signin
Meijer
For specific store information click the following link, https://www.meijer.com/shop/en/store-finder
To order curbside pickup or delivery please click the following link, https://www.meijer.com/departments.html
Target
For specific store information click the following link, https://www.valumarket.com/my-store/store-locator
To order curbside pickup or delivery please click the following link, https://www.target.com/c/food-beverage/-/N-5xt1a?lnk=snav_rd_grocery
Valu Market
For specific store information click the following link, https://www.valumarket.com/list
To order curbside pickup or delivery please click the following link, https://www.valumarket.com/list
Walmart
Hours of operation are from 6am to 11pm until further notice.
To order curbside pickup or delivery please click the following link, https://www.walmart.com/cart
Restaurants that Offer Pick Up and or Delivery Options
https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleAreaCarryOutOptions/
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You don't need a certain number of friends,
just a number of friends you can be certain of.
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Excerpt from a TIME Magazine article entitled: The Coronavirus Brief. Everything you need to know about the global spread of COVID-19
Per the CDC’s recommendation, social distancing involves “remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance” whenever possible to limit the ability of the virus to spread.
Social distancing is not the same as self-quarantine or isolation, two other practices being utilized to minimize the coronavirus spread. The key difference is that a quarantine or isolation restricts the movement of people within a certain area or zone to limit transferring and spreading an infection. Social distancing places no such locational constraints, rather it is a behavioral practice to lower the risk in most circumstances.
It is widely viewed as an effective behavior and something that anyone and everyone should practice. “[Am I] doing the kinds of things that put barriers between me and the people that I’m dealing with?” Denise Rousseau, a professor of organizational behavior and public policy at Carnegie Mellon University, suggests people ask themselves. “This is how people need to think when they’re in their day to day interactions at a time like this. How can I reduce the risk?”
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