On Tuesday city leaders, first responders and health officials gathered in Lexington to prepare the city for the Coronavirus. More from Karyn Czar.
From Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton's Office:
Mayor Linda Gorton today brought together leaders … representatives of hospitals, public health, business, schools, public events, government, higher education, transportation … from around the City to share and discuss information related to preparation for coronavirus.
Since the initial outbreak of the virus in Wuhan, China, coronavirus, specifically COVID-19, has spread to 70 countries, including the United States. This is a new virus.
Local organizations are getting prepared with a focus on education, coordination, prevention, monitoring, containment, precautions, resources and disinfection.
“Although there have not been identified cases of coronavirus in Kentucky, I am determined to be prepared,” said Gorton, who is a registered nurse. “The health and safety of our community is our top focus. We don’t need to start a panic, but it is important that our citizens know the best ways to reduce their chance of contracting the disease, and what steps to take to prepare. We have put together a great, diverse group of community leaders who are sharing vital information. This information will allow us to get on the same page, doing the best we can to prepare Lexington for the potential impact of COVID-19.”
The City will take its cues from state Cabinet for Health and Family Services, and the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department concerning public health decisions.
A webpage has been developed to provide a central source of information. The page will go live later today, and will be regularly updated. It can be reached at www.lexingtonky.gov/coronavirus-response. Additional information will be sent via email to those who sign-up on the webpage.
A few of the updates from today’s meeting include:
· Simple prevention techniques, most importantly washing your hands
· Stay at home if you’re sick
· Avoid contact with sick people
· Employers are studying the possibility of people working from home
· Healthcare providers are securing adequate resources
· Disinfect public areas as normal
· Education and coordination of messages to the public
· Monitoring of those who have traveled to affected regions is ongoing
· Elderly are most vulnerable
· Contact health department for testing
The group will continue sharing information with weekly calls. It includes representatives from:
· Lexington Police Department
· Lexington Fire Department
· Lexington Division of Emergency Management
· Lexington-Fayette County Health Department
· Baptist Health Lexington
· CHI Saint Joseph Health
· University of Kentucky HealthCare
· Lexington VA Medical Center
· Fayette County Public Schools
· University of Kentucky
· Bluegrass Community & Technical College
· Transylvania University
· Bluegrass Airport
· LexTran
· Keeneland
· Central Bank Center
· VisitLex
· Fayette Mall
· Commerce Lexington
