Social Distancing is Flattening the Curve

Mayor Greg Fischer today said that a new study on the effectiveness of social distancing shows that the stringent measures being used in Louisville to slow the spread of COVID-19 are working.

As other states rush to reopen their economies, the Mayor said the modeling study performed by health experts from the University of Louisville and Louisville Metro Government offers a stern warning about the danger of moving too fast.

Karimi and Moyer concluded that that the city’s decision to shut down large gatherings, close non-essential businesses, and tell people to stay home as much as possible gave the local healthcare system and emergency management officials a chance to build up capacity and keep a wave of coronavirus patients from swamping hospitals and first responders.

But the study also modeled scenarios in which those measures are lifted before there is a sustained decline in new COVID-19 cases and deaths, and projected that as many as 900 more people in Louisville would die and about 2,000 more would be hospitalized by August. Although more than 100 people have died from the virus in Louisville, there has not yet been the exponential rise in deaths that many feared at the start of the outbreak.

At the same time, the study offers a hopeful path forward for the community. By maintaining the strict social distancing strategy and enhancing COVID-19 testing/tracing/tracking capabilities, the community could be able to gradually reopen by early June, the model projects.

Mayor Fischer has previously announced plans to expand the city’s ability to test for the virus and utilize “contact tracing” to isolate people who may have been exposed, but warned that the effort will be massively expensive and would require federal assistance to properly build and staff. The Public Health & Wellness Communicable Illness Team currently has 55 members but would need to grow considerably in order to truly contain the spread of COVID-19.

Read the study here.

Shawnee Park

As part of a partnership between the state, Kroger Health and Louisville Metro, mobile COVID-19 testing will be provided at Shawnee Park, beginning Monday through Friday, May 8.

To accommodate a safe and secure testing site, some pedestrian access and all motor vehicle access in the park will be restricted beginning today.

Shawnee Park will remain open to walkers, runners, and bicyclists who want to use the Paul Bather Sports Complex on the northwest side of the park and Paul Hornung Field on northeast corner of the park.

The south side of the park will be closed to pedestrians 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. All motor vehicles will be restricted 24/7 from the park and parking areas will be closed through Saturday, May 9.

The entire park will remain accessible to walkers, runners, and bicyclists on weekends beginning at 7 p.m. Friday.

MAP: www.louisvilleky.gov/sites/default/files/mayors_office/pdf_files/shawnee_testing_map.pdf

The state of Kentucky and Kroger Health are establishing a mobile COVID-19 testing site in the park to provide up to 330 tests per day over the next two weeks. 

Testing will be conducted from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays through Friday, May 8. The tests are available to the general public, but you must register at www.thelittleclinic.com/drivethru-testing to be screened and scheduled. Kroger Health has filled all the scheduled appointments for April 27-May 1 but is working to make more slots available.

Mayor Greg Fischer said the site in Shawnee Park was chosen because West Louisville is a major African American population center, and African Americans have been disproportionately suffering and dying from COVID-19 in Kentucky.

Bashford Manor

Gov. Andy Beshear announced a new statewide partnership with Walmart on Friday, which will help Louisville test more people for COVID-19.

Testing will be available at Walmart's Bashford Manor location starting on Wednesday, April 29th. It will be open from from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Online registration is required.

The site will test up to 200 people each day. It will be open to first responders and healthcare workers, regardless of symptoms, plus anyone over 18 who is showing symptoms.

To sign up for the Walmart testing, click here.

Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) launched a hotline to help connect families with needed resources and services.

Families can call 313-CARE (2273) for assistance and referrals related to medical services, drug and alcohol addiction help, homelessness and basic needs such as food, housing and utilities, among other supports.

The CARE line will be operated by professionals from the Academic Support Programs Department and includes school counselors, mental health practitioners, Family Resource Youth Services coordinators, and coordinators from the departments of Early Childhood, Health Services and Community Supports.

CARE operators will be able to offer assistance, resources and referrals for:

• Basic needs, including food, utilities, clothing, public transportation and housing
• Medical services
• Emotional/ behavioral/ mental health
• Domestic violence
• Drug and alcohol addiction support
• Unemployment
• Homelessness

The line will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, until May 29.  The district will evaluate the response and determine if there’s a need for it to continue over the summer and into next year.  Families can continue to call 313-HELP for general JCPS-related questions.

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services, as part of the Community Action Agency network in Kentucky, is now taking applications for an added spring open enrollment period for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2020, or until designated funds are depleted on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

The Spring LIHEAP program, which is designed to help low-income households offset home energy costs, has increased income eligibility requirements to 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.  Income eligible residents can apply regardless of the status of their utility bills.

The benefit amount awarded is based on an individual’s income and primary fuel type. Benefits are paid directly to the primary fuel vendor in the form of a voucher.

Jefferson County residents wishing to apply must schedule an appointment utilizing the automated appointment system.  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.

Modified service delivery for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
All six LIHEAP offices remain closed for walk-in clients in an effort to help stem the spread of COVID-19.  Residents can still apply for LIHEAP by utilizing secure drop boxes in front of the six LIHEAP offices.

LIHEAP required documentation, along with the downloadable LIHEAP Family Profile form and the Remote Processing form, should be dropped off at the LIHEAP site you select, the day of your appointment, at least one hour before your scheduled appointment time.

Applicants will then be contacted by LIHEAP staff within 72 hours (3 business days) of the appointment time.

Required documentation to drop off includes:

• Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.
• Proof of all household’s (all members) income from the preceding month.
• Most current heating bill, statement from your landlord if heating expenses are included in your rent, statement from utility company if you participate in a Pre-Pay Electric Program.
• The account number and name on the account for main heating fuel sources and electric bill.

Copies of the required documentation is advisable but if original information is dropped off, the LIHEAP staff will make arrangements to return to the recipient.  

LIHEAP six locations include (which remain closed for walk-in clients):

• South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 40215
• Neighborhood Place Ujima/Duvalle Education Center, 3610 Bohne Ave., 40211
• Neighborhood Place/Bridges of Hope, 1411 Algonquin Pkwy., 40210
• Newburg Community Center/East, 4810 Exeter Ave., 40218
• Cane Run Neighborhood Place, 3410 Lees Lane, 40216
• Starting May 18 at the Nia Center, 2900 W. Broadway, Louisville, KY 40211

For more descriptions about LIHEAP income eligibility, required documentation and other instructions, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP. Residents may also call the automated LIHEAP information line at 991-8391 or visit www.louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.

Individuals who require more information can contact Metro311 by simply dialing 311 or (502) 574-5000, email metro.311@louisvilleky.gov, tweet @LouMetro311, Web: loiusvilleky.gov/tell311, or download the free Mobile Louisville Metro 311 app from the website. Residents can also call Metro United Way’s 2-1-1 help referral service.

Most of us are stuck at home and many things have changed, but your grass is still growing. Why not take advantage of the Lawn Care for Cleaner Air program and save up to $100 on a new, air-friendly, electric-powered mower? You can get rebates on electric string trimmers, electric blowers, and reel mowers too. (Make sure to practice social distancing when making your purchase, of course!)

Now is a great time to recycle that old, polluting equipment and save some cash on new gear that will make breathing a little easier for you and your community. You can also get larger rebates on more powerful equipment with our Lawn Care for Cleaner Air Professional program.

Please see our website, louisvilleky.gov/lawncare, or call (502)574-6000 if you have any questions.

Healing begins with the foods we eat. That’s why Humana Well Dine has teamed up with Mom’s Meals to deliver nutritious, tasty meals right to your home when you need it the most. Meals go directly in the refrigerator. Simply heat in the microwave, directly from your fridge.

With the trying times we are experiencing now, this program could be essential to helping feed our most vulnerable. For more details, please visit Humana.com.

If you are a Humana member and would like more information about Humana Well Dine, please call Humana Customer Care at 1-800-457-4708 (TYY: 711)

As the community continues to be challenged by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, Mayor Greg Fischer today lauded the many, many compassionate people who have opened up their wallets to help their neighbors.

After less than a week, the One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund has collected $5.6 million to help to people and organizations impacted by the unprecedented economic shutdown taking place.

The One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund is designed to help people and community organizations meet immediate physical and operational needs, such as food, transportation, educational services, and more.

The fund is a community partnership that includes Metro Government, business leaders like UPS, Humana and GLI, and philanthropic partners like the James Graham Brown Foundation, Metro United Way, and the Community Foundation of Louisville.

• Individual Assistance

To apply for individual assistance, call Metro311 or (502) 574-5000, or visitwww.louisvilleky.gov/neighborhoodplace 

• Grants for community-based organizations

For information on grants to community-based organizations, go towww.louisvilleky.gov/government/city/one-louisville-covid-19-response-fund

The people of Louisville Metro will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed FY 2020-2021 Capital and Operating Budgets.

The Metro Council’s Budget Committee is inviting the public to speak on budget-related topics at two public hearings which begin at 5:00 p.m. on May 7th, and 6:00 p.m. on May 13th . Both hearings will be held virtually via WebEx Events and advanced registration is required.

Guidelines for the two public hearings are as follows:

• Only one designated speaker may speak for each non-profit group
• You do not have to be a member of a nonprofit group to speak
• Each person will have three (3) minutes to speak
• Be prepared for any follow up questions from the committee.
• The Committee is interested in hearing from anyone in the community

Register to speak at the public hearings:
To sign up go to the Metro Council Clerk’s website at: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk

There will be preregistration for both meetings.

• For the May 7th meeting, registration is May 6 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m
• For the May 13th meeting, registration is May 12 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Please register with the name, email address, and phone number you will be calling from to ensure you are recognized. A message will be sent to the registered email address that includes the information to join the meeting. Do not share the information.

If you do not have access to the internet, you may register by calling the Metro Council Clerk’s Office at 502-574-3902 during the same period listed above for registration, and you will be provided the information to call in for the meeting.

Non-participants can view the meeting live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 or on UVERSE at Channel 99. Proceedings will be streamed live from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page here.

If you cannot attend either meeting but would like to comment on the budget, simply fill out this form. The committee will receive written comments until June 1st.

Free recycling drop-off locations are a benefit to residents of Louisville, but the contamination can be a major problem. Recently we've seen an increase in yard waste, construction debris, large items, and tires dumped at our self-service recycling sites. 

The dumpsters at the self-service locations are for recycling the following items ONLY: 

• Flattened cardboard
• Paper containers and cups
• Milk and juice cartons
• Newspapers/inserts, magazines, junk mail, office paper
• Plastic bottles, cups, and containers
• Glass bottles and jars
• Metal cans and bottles

Self-Service Recycling Do's and Don'ts

• Items should be loose in the dumpster, not in bags.
• Flatten cardboard to save space in the dumpster.
• Never place items on the ground outside the dumpster.
• If the dumpster is full, contact Metro311. The crews empty them on a schedule based on how long it typically takes to fill, but sometimes they get full sooner than expected. 
• ONLY recycle the items listed above. Use this map to find all Metro Solid Waste drop-off locations and see what's accepted at each. 

Meals on Wheels

Volunteering for Meals on Wheels is another great way to make a huge impact in a short amount of time. By delivering meals you bring nutritious food and a friendly visit to eight to 10 seniors and people with disabilities in your community.

Anyone can deliver meals, and it’s a great volunteer opportunity for families and teams of employees, as well. Sign up today and find out how easy and rewarding it is to bring nutrition and independence to your neighbors!

You can see which companies are hiring right now in the Louisville area and how you can apply at our new online Job Board, created in partnership with Greater Louisville Inc. in response to COVID-19. 

Job listings are based on information submitted from employers and are updated daily.

Resources available to both workers and small businesses, including unemployment benefits, are collected at a Louisville Metro website here. These programs are crucial in trying times such as these.   

Increased business is leading to new jobs in some industries, with immediate hiring. KentuckianaWorks and GLI have partnered to create a new online jobs board listing current job opportunities in the area. You can see job listings at www.kentuckianaworks.org/jobs and it’s being updated daily. Companies that are hiring can also add their listings to the website.

Are you feeling isolated or running out of activities do to at home? Lift Up Lou is a great way keep your spirits high and stay connected, despite social distancing.

This is 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

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.

Wrapping Up

The New Dixie Highway project includes installation of new asphalt along four miles of the highway. Final surfacing will be completed and medians will be mowed this month.

BRT Pylon Installation

Pylons like this one at Upper Hunters Trace are being installed at RAPID bus shelters along Dixie Highway. Once technology pieces are in place, their digital screens will show when to expect the next bus and other useful information for TARC riders.

Below is a list of projects overseen by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet happening in Southwest Louisville.

U.S. 31W (Dixie Highway): Alternating lane closures between mile marker 14.5 and mile marker 14.9 (I-264 interchange) for concrete repair work beginning Monday, April 27. Drivers should use caution while traveling through the area.