Health and Wellness COVID-19 Update

Metro Government Changes to Operations and Facilities in Response to COVID-19

Bars and Restaurants

Mayor Fischer said he supports the decision by Gov. Andy Beshear to order bars and restaurants in the state to close temporarily and allow only carryout or delivery food service.

“Louisville’s food and beverage establishments are a critical piece of our economy – for the city and its residents and visitors – but these are unprecedented times for our city, nation, and world and we must continue to make our decisions based on the public health and safety of all our residents,” the Mayor said.

LMPD

• Conducting rolling roll calls: Rather than have officers gather together at the start of each shift at their division headquarters, commanders will request them to call off via radio from wherever they are in the division.
• Providing security and traffic control support for Metro-run food distribution sites as they go operational today (Tuesday).
• Limiting public access to police facilities – including the main headquarters, division headquarters buildings, the property room, the LMPD Service Center and the tow lot.
• In order to cut down on the risk of face-to-face exposure, LMPD is increasing the capacity of its telephone reporting unit. More calls for service will be sent to that unit for situations where a report can be taken by phone instead of dispatching an officer. 
• Using state forms for reporting on non-injury accidents, as is done during bad weather.
• Suspended all training except for LMPD recruits who are currently in the Academy. Academy training continues with precautions in place to allow for social distancing.

Louisville Fire Department

LFD will limit patient contact on non-traumatic incidents and patients not in immediate distress.

• Crews will consider reducing the number of personnel making direct patient contact.
• Crews will keep further distance during patient assessment to limit exposure.
• Post patient care: Crews will continue to frequently disinfect apparatus and equipment

LFD has suspended:

• Home Safety Checks, with the exception of 311 MetroCall requests.
• Community Involvement Programs and public access to fire facilities.
• Community Action Programs.
• Target Hazard Surveys conducted by fire suppression companies.
• Routine Building Inspections conducted by the LFD Fire Prevention Bureau.
• Note: Buildings that pose eminent life hazards such as an overcrowding situation or structural instability will continue to be inspected, and codes will continue to be enforced.

Metro EMS

• Performing call-ahead notifications to hospital facilities if transporting a patient who may fit the parameters of suspected COVID-19, which allows for special intake procedures at the facility to reduce the spread of the virus.
• Ambulances are being decontaminated multiple times each shift, with a deep decontamination after any suspected contact with COVID-19 and at the conclusion of each shift
• In-person training and unnecessary gatherings are suspended.
• EMS employees are encouraged to notify command staff if they or a family member is sick, and to not report to work if so.

Metro Animal Services

• Animal Control officers will only respond to the most serious incidents involving a human and domestic animal in progress, or to assist first responders.
• The LMAS Shelter at 3528 Newburg Road will be open only for adoptions, citizens looking for a lost pet, fosters, and stray pet surrenders.

Louisville Free Public Library

The Main Library and branches are closed. Library staff is teleworking when possible. Fines for overdue books and other material are temporarily suspended. Patrons should not try to return borrowed materials. LFPL offers access to eBooks, eMagazines, downloadable audiobooks, and streaming movies online

Metro Codes & Regulations

• Property maintenance enforcement will be focused on exterior inspections, but interior inspections will be conducted, if necessary, to address health and safety concerns such as electrical, plumbing, and sewage hazards. Violations will still be issued if warranted.
• Codes & Regulations is working with property owners who may need additional time to correct non-hazardous conditions.
• Construction review staff will prioritize inspections.
• Section 8 inspections will be limited to initials inspections and follow-up of previous failed inspections.
• Vacant lot crews will stagger shifts and only perform prioritized work orders.
• ABC applications can be dropped off on the first floor of the Metro Development Center, 444 S. Fifth St.

Metro Office of Resilience & Community Services - Neighborhood Place

• The seven Neighborhood Place locations will close to walk-in traffic starting on Wednesday.
• For information on financial assistance, call (502) 363-1424
• For WIC assistance, call (502) 574-7975.
• If you need to drop off LIHEAP paperwork, please leave your documents in the red box at the Neighborhood Place door.
• For information on Food Stamps, Medicaid, K-TAP, and Child Care, please call (855) 306-8959.

MSD

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. 

Metro Revenue Commission

•  Louisville Metro Revenue Commission (LMRC) will extend the 2019 annual occupational license tax filing and payment deadline from April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020.

• Suspending face-to-face customer service.
• Call (502) 574-4860 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to connect with the taxpayer services, legal, audit, and compliance divisions for any assistance you may need.

TARC

• TARC established a COVID-19 Task Force on March 6th that meets daily and is responsible for providing a rapid, controlled, and effective response to COVID-19.
• All TARC vehicles, including fixed-route buses and TARC3 vehicles, are being cleaned and sanitized daily in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control. TARC is exceeding the guidelines of most transit agencies concerning COVID-19 sanitization techniques.
• The TARC Safety & Security Department has been taking additional steps in response to COVID-19, providing kits to drivers that include gloves, sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes.  

PARC

• Motorists must still pay to park in metered spots. Parking violations will still be issued but booting has been suspended.
• To help support the local food and beverage industry, PARC will allow 15 minutes of free meter parking in spots near restaurants if you are picking up a carryout order or buying a gift card. Make sure to turn on your flashers.

Louisville Parks & Recreation

• The city’s 120 parks, including its 18 Olmsted-designed parks will remain open with no restrictions on access. The 6,700-acre Jefferson Memorial Forest will also stay open, but the Welcome Center is closed. Parks employees are increasing cleaning protocols and implementing social distancing.
• Louisville’s 10 municipal golf courses will remain open for play. Parks has taken several steps to ensure the safety of players and employees:
• In the clubhouses, food service will be limited to takeout only. Tables and chairs will be removed to prevent social gathering, and patrons are discouraged from congregating inside them.
• Additionally, bathrooms and touchpoints will be cleaned multiple times daily, credit card terminals will be cleaned after every use, and clubhouse employees will use gloves during every transaction.
• Golf carts will be limited to a single rider per cart, and carts will be thoroughly cleaned after each use. Golfers are encouraged to keep six feet away from each other during play, and flags are to be left in the holes at all times.
• The Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center is closed.
• The city’s 13 community centers are temporarily closed to the public through April 5.
• The Wilderness Louisville Senior Center is closed.
• Parks will not be accepting rentals of facilities and shelters through April 5. All rentals through April 5 have been canceled. Those with rental agreements through Louisville Parks and Recreation will have the option of a refund or a rescheduled date.

Zoo

The Zoo is temporarily closed. While there have been no known cases of exposure to COVID-19 at the Zoo, the decision to close was made to further support efforts to reduce the rapid spread of the virus and to protect the health and wellbeing of Zoo staff and the community. The animal care team and other essential personnel will remain active at the Zoo; however, staff who are able to work from home will be encouraged to do so. The Asian Lantern Festival has been temporarily closed as well.

Metro Corrections

Inmate visitation has been suspended at the Louisville Jail for at least three weeks. The decision was made based on a recommendation from Gov. Andy Beshear.

LG&E

Louisville Gas & Electric Co. on Monday said that it will stop disconnecting customers with unpaid bills until May 1. The city’s electric utility said is also waiving new late fees incurred during this period.

Click here to view the LG&E Press Release!

 Louisville Metro's 311 Reporting System

This information is designed to help you use Louisville Metro's new 311 Reporting System, the new 311 Mobile App for iPhone and Android, and the newLouisville Metro Business Portal (Accela Citizen Access (ACA)  from our partner Accela. This page is being updated continuously with new information and allows you to view a growing collection of resources including, current application status, onboarding instructions, links, documentation and more.  If you don't find what you need on this page, you can contact one of the following departments:

• Metro 311: Just dial 311 or email 311
• Construction Review: (502) 574-3321
• Codes & Regulations: (502) 574-2508 (Rental Registry accounts)
• Public Works (Right of Way): (502) 574-3121
• Planning & Design: (502) 574-6230
• Special Events intake: 572-3467

HEALTH & ASSISTANCE

JCPS Food Distribution Sites

JCPS is adding 13 Emergency Food Sites bringing the total number of sites to 58, 16 of them mobile. ANY young person under 18 can go to one of many sites in Jefferson County for BREAKFAST and LUNCH every day while schools are closed during the outbreak. Check their website for more information and an updated list of sites.

Metro March for Meals for Seniors

During the first three days of Metro March for Meals, the meals pickup program provided nearly 2,500 frozen meal packs to seniors in Louisville.  Due to this tremendous response, a few of the distribution sites have been changed to better accommodate the traffic flow and ensure that recipients can remain in their cars for pickup.

Now through April 3, up to 1,000 frozen meal packs will be distributed each weekday at six locations throughout the community on a rotating schedule. The Louisville Metro Senior Nutrition Program, part of the Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS), rolled out Metro March for Meals to provide meals for seniors ages 60 and older while the city responds to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meals will be available on a first-come, first-served basis from 10 a.m. until noon and are limited to one box per person, containing five frozen meals per pack, each week. Older adults in need are advised to go to the center closest to their homes for assistance.

Updated site distribution list.

• Mondays – St. Stephen Church Parking Lot, (1018 S.  15th St., 40210 - Parking lot across the street from St. Stephen Church at the corner of South 15th and Kentucky streets)
• Tuesdays – Beechmont Community Center (205 Wellington Ave., 40214)
• Wednesdays – Sun Valley Community Center (6505 Bethany Lane, 40272) and East Government Center (200 Juneau Drive, 40243)
• Thursdays – New site to be announced soon
• Fridays – Former Kroger site in Old Louisville (924 S. Second St., 40203) 

This information is also available on this downloadable flyer.

Eligibility and guidelines to participate in Metro March for Meals:

• Open to Jefferson County residents only, 60 years and older
• Proof of age will be required
• Participants are requested to stay in their cars for meal pickup to help ensure their safety. Please do not park and walk up to the distribution site.
• To help ensure that seniors in need of assistance are being served, eligible seniors should be present at time of pickup. 
• Each eligible adult will be able to receive one meal pack per week on a first come, first served basis. Each pack contains five frozen meals.

For current updates and more information on Metro March for Meals, call (502) 574-5223 or visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-services. 

Apply for the AARP Community Challenge by April 1, 2020

AARP invites you to submit applications for the 2020 Community Challenge Grant which provides funding for quick-action projects that can help your community become more livable for people of all ages. Applications are now being accepted for small grants to improve housing, transportation, public space, smart cities, civic engagement, and more. All of Kentucky’s previously funded projects can be found here. This year’s application is due by April 1, 2020, 11:59 p.m. ET and all projects must be completed by November 9, 2020. Applications must be submitted through www.aarp.org/communitychallenge

Crisis Component of LIHEAP - NOW Through March 31

The program that helps prevent low income residents of Jefferson County from being disconnected from utility services will begin on Monday, January 6th. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is administered by the Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services. The LIHEAP Crisis Component will run from Jan. 6 - March 31, or until available funds have been expended, whichever comes first. To apply, residents must schedule an appointment utilizing the automated appointment system. Beginning Dec. 30, 2019, appointments can be scheduled by phone by calling 502-991-8391 or online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com. The toll-free service is currently open and is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Individuals who require more information can contact Metro311 by simply dialing 311 or (502) 574-5000, email metro.311@louisvilleky.gov, visit the website’s On-line Customer Service at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro311, tweet @LouMetro311, or download the free Mobile 311 app from the website. Residents can also call Metro United Way’s 2-1-1 help referral service.

AARP Tax Assistance Programs - Suspended until Further Notice

As coronavirus (COVID-19) developments change hour by hour, AARP Foundation is doing its part to flatten the curve of transmission. A top priority for us is ensuring we are protecting those most at risk, including our volunteers and taxpayers. Therefore, we are suspending AARP Foundation Tax-Aide services beginning March 16, 2020 until further notice. We will continue to assess whether we can open again in some or all sites for the remainder of the tax season and if the tax season is extended. Please visit our website http://www.aarp-tax-aide-lou.org/Sites/sites.html or call 502-394-3443 for updated

V.I.T.A. Preparation - POSTPONED until April 6th

At the advice of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, VITA has temporarily suspended operations. With the number of clients they see each day, the potential to transmit the coronavirus to taxpayers or volunteers is high, and the main priority is the health of our community. 

As of now, VITA will tentatively plan to open back on Monday, April 6th, along with JCPS. If the current situation changes, this date may move up or be delayed further. The appointment system will not be accessible during this period. During this time, we encourage taxpayers to use the free, online filing options that are accessible on this website. They will also be working to increase their capacity to assist taxpayers in completing their own returns through additional resources and exploring alternative service delivery models to assist taxpayers. There may be remote volunteer opportunities to assist in these efforts, and we will keep you updated.

At this time, the IRS has not issued an official extension of the filing deadline, but it is possible that they may do so. We will be sure to update you regarding any changes to the tax code that may affect you during this time.

Meals on Wheels Volunteer Opportunities

Today, the average life expectancy is at a record high of 79 years, As we get older, even the most independent among us may experience physical declines or financial hardship that strips away their independence. Add to that an increase in geographic mobility of our families, and the result is millions of seniors left behind, hungry and alone. 9 out of 10 say Meals on Wheels helps them live independently! How can you help? Volunteers are always needed! Call (502) 935-0310 to learn more. They serve seniors in 40258, 40272, and 40117.

Here's how you can receive and offer help during the COVID-19 pandemic

If you are able, you can donate and volunteer with Area Community Ministries such as SLCM.  If you need assistance, SLCM is conducting financial assistance appointments over the phone/via email/etc. For those who need help, fill out the Request for Assistance form. If the applicant does not have internet, they can call the office at 502-367-6445.

Donate BLOOD

BUSINESS CORNER

Unemployment Insurance

Go to website to apply according to the schedule below.  CLICK HERE

Businesses & Grocery Updates

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

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

Businesses opening only for residents over 60 and those most vulnerable to COVID-19:

• Target (first hour of business on Wednesdays)
• Dollar General (first hour of business every day)
• Wal-Mart (first hour of business every Tuesday between March 24 and April 28)
• Rainbow Blossom (first hour of business every day)
• Whole Foods (first hour of business every day)
• Big Lots (first hour of business every day)
• Fresh Market (8-9 a.m. Monday through Friday)

LIBA Online Resource For Supporting Local Business During COVID-19 Precautions

LIBA  has developed an online resource and is sharing recommendations to help the community keep their local businesses in mind as we stay safe. Visit www.KeepLouisvilleWeird.com for a listing of local, independent businesses. Special space on each listing is dedicated to information useful during COVID-19 precautions. Keep checking back as our members update their information regularly. The directory is also searchable by businesses that offer delivery, curbside pickup, online ordering, etc. Give the Gift of Business - Buy a gift card (on the phone or online) that would cover your usual spend over the coming weeks. Then spend the gift cards later, or give them as gifts to others. Buy Now, Pick Up Later - If you had planned on purchasing an item, give the business a call. Pay for it now and have them set it aside for later pickup. Keep Up Your Memberships - If you have a membership to a gym, class, studio, etc. keep it going. Many small businesses count on that constant support to keep their doors open so they can be there when you come back. Curbside Pickup/Delivery - For restaurants and for retail! Many of our local independents are offering this service. LIBA is also offering resources to support local businesses themselves. We are offering webinars on working from home, tutorials on Facebook lives that retailers can use for commerce,

Job Training & Postings

SummerWorks Program Applications Now Open!

SummerWorks is a free program that matches young people in Louisville to quality summer job opportunities! SummerWorks jobs include many different industries, including hospitality, advanced manufacturing, business and many more. To be eligible, youth must be 16-21 years of age as of June 1, 2020 and a resident of Louisville. To learn more about the program and to apply, please visit https://www.summerworks.org/sign-up

Easy To Be Counted in 2020 Census

Timeline

• March 12-20 – An invitation to respond online to the 2020 Census.
• March 16-24 – A reminder letter.
• March 26-April 3 – A reminder postcard. (if you haven’t responded yet)
• April 8-16 – A reminder letter and a paper questionnaire.
• April 20-27 – A final reminder postcard before the Census follows up in person.

Where are people counted?

• Count people at their usual residence, which is the place where they live and sleep most of the time.
• People in certain types of group facilities on Census Day are counted at the group facility.
• People who do not have a usual residence, or who cannot determine a usual residence, are counted where they are on Census Day.

2020 Lifeguard Training

METRO PARKS

Louisville Golf Courses Open

• Louisville’s 10 municipal golf courses will remain open for play. Parks has taken several steps to ensure the safety of players and employees:
• In the clubhouses, food service will be limited to takeout only. Tables and chairs will be removed to prevent social gathering, and patrons are discouraged from congregating inside them.
• Additionally, bathrooms and touchpoints will be cleaned multiple times daily, credit card terminals will be cleaned after every use, and clubhouse employees will use gloves during every transaction.
• Golf carts will be limited to a single rider per cart, and carts will be thoroughly cleaned after each use. Golfers are encouraged to keep six feet away from each other during play, and flags are to be left in the holes at all times.

CLICK HERE FOR JEFFERSON MEMORIAL FOREST EVENTS & PROGRAMS

 The 6,700-acre Jefferson Memorial Forest will also stay open, but the Welcome Center is closed. Parks employees are increasing cleaning protocols and implementing social distancing.

CLICK HERE FOR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED BY WILDERNESS LOUISVILLE, INC.

LIBRARIES SERVING DISTRICT 13 RESIDENTS

Louisville Public Libraries temporarily closed

The Main Library and branches are closed. Library staff is teleworking when possible. Fines for overdue books and other material are temporarily suspended. Patrons should not try to return borrowed materials. LFPL offers access to eBooks, eMagazines, downloadable audiobooks, and streaming movies online at http://www.lfpl.org/

CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING PROGRAMS AT THE FAIRDALE LIBRARY

CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING PROGRAMS AT THE SOUTHWEST REGIONAL LIBRARY

CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING PROGRAMS AT THE SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONAL LIBRARY

CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING PROGRAMS AT THE IROQUOIS LIBRARY

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Fund for the Arts, in partnership with Arts & Culture Alliance Offer Website for Virtual Arts Experience

The arts are always a source of joy, hope, and comfort. In these uncertain times, we need that more than ever. That’s why, in spite of profound economic challenges, the Fund for the Arts, in partnership with Arts & Culture Alliance, has created a website (www.fundforthearts.org/ArtsAndCultureINKY) to offer virtual arts experiences for you and your family to enjoy from home. New living room concerts, virtual tours, and performances are being added every day.

Little Loomhouse Offers Kits to Keep Your Kids Crearing!

Little Loomhouse Regular Hours of Operation 

August 12 - May 31   Wednesday-Friday 10am – 2pm     Saturday  11am – 4pm

Closed Nov. 22, Dec. 24 2018- May 3 & 4, July 4, Nov. 28, Dec. 25, 2019

For your visit to The Little Loomhouse, we recommend you wear comfortable closed-toe shoes, 
with a back, suitable for walking over gravel surfaces.

RECYCLING & SUSTAINABILITY INFORMATION

Waste Reduction Center Closed Due to Maintenance

Beginning Monday, February 24, 2020, the Waste Reduction Center will be closed for maintenance until further notice. We have to reconstruct a push wall on the loading pad.  The wall at the loading pad has become unsafe for our staff and our customers.   The project is anticipated to take four to six weeks to complete and reopen.  Hopefully we will not experience any weather delays during the reconstruction of the wall.    Below is a list of private waste collection vendor as an option (for a fee) to use while our Center is closed.   Waste Management of Kentucky 7501 Grade Lane, Louisville, KY 40219   502-785-8663  Our operation hours are between Monday: 5:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday: 5:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday: 5:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday: 5:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday: 5:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Please Note: If unloading by hand you need to be in an hour before we close. Rumpke  1101 W Oak St, Louisville, KY 40210  800-828-8171 The transfer station is open to the public from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Republic  4446 Poplar Level Road, Louisville, KY 40213  502-634-2900  Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Smith Creek (2 locations)  Melton Ave.  (By the airport)  4574 Melton Avenue  Louisville, Ky 40213 Haunz Lane (East End)  5918 Haunz Ln, Louisville, KY 40241   Monday Thru Friday - Hours 7:00 am to 3:30 pm  No weekend hours  Contact Information:  502-377-9026 - Brett  Accepting       Brush, Leaves, trees, grasses either bulk or in paper/compostable bags. Not Accepting       Trash, dirt, rock, glass, metal, brick, pavers, railroad ties, telephone poles, fabric weed            barrier – all items must be

Metro Yard Waste Collection Continues by Request Only

From January 20 - March 27, yard waste will be collected on your normal day BY REQUEST ONLY. Call 311 or 574-5000 to request yard waste collection. Regular yard waste collection will resume the week of March 30. (Residents with private waste haulers should contact their company about yard waste collection.)

Sustainability Quick Links

Office of Sustainability Home | Sustain Louisville | Division of Community Forestry

Green Infrastructure Incentives | Tree Canopy Assessment | Urban Heat Island Project

Air Pollution Control District | Brightside | Bike Louisville | Metro Parks

Recycling in Louisville | TARC Trip Planner | LG&E Energy Efficiency 

Louisville Sustainability Council | Partnership for a Green City | Louisville Energy Alliance

METRO ANIMAL SERVICES

PET HELP- Free & Low Cost Community Resources

Animal Abuse Registry Now in Effect

Under the ordinance, LMAS will maintain the Animal Abuse Registry, updating it at least once every 30 days. Anyone convicted of animal abuse outside of Jefferson County must register within 10 days of establishing residency. Failure to register or comply with the registry could result in a maximum 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. To view the Animal Abuse Registry and read the ordinance, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/animal-services

Pet Safety Reminders

91.002 RESTRAINT REQUIRED All animals, excluding community cats, shall be kept under restraint at all times, as defined in this chapter, except as otherwise provided herein, and any deviation or violation thereof is strictly prohibited.

91.010 SANITARY DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL FECES REQUIRED. It shall be unlawful for any owner or person in charge of a domestic animal or other four-footed mammal, poultry or other fowl to permit such animal to be on school grounds, metro parks or other public property, or on any private property other than that of the owner or person in charge or control of such animal without the permission of the owner of said property, or on any streets, sidewalks, highways, or rights-of-way of the Metro Government other than duly designated bridle paths, unless the owner or person in charge of such animals: Has, in his or her possession, a suitable device for the picking up, collection and proper sanitary disposal of the animal feces or manure. Immediately removes all feces deposited by such animal(s) and disposes of same in a sanitary manner.