Lexington is preparing to ramp up government operations in conjunction with Kentucky’s reopening plan. Governor Beshear has indicated his intention to unveil a plan next week to reopen local governments during this coronavirus period.
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton led a remote session Wednesday with council members. Chief Administrative Officer Sally Hamilton said not all city employees will return to the traditional office setting. “I had a director that said, ‘well now that we’re over, I’m bringing those people back.’ I said, no, no, no. If that works, you need to keep them out there. So, our goal is to keep on with this telecommuting. We’ve found in a lot of areas, this really works well,” said Hamilton.
Hamilton told council members thousands of disposable masks will be going out to various agencies. So far, the cost for COVID-19 related items has come to about $214,000. Hamilton said Grants and Special Programs Director Charlie Lanter indicated the expectation is to see federal reimbursement for much of that cost.
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton noted COVID-19 testing in heavily populated African American neighborhoods is being extended for one week. African Americans have been disproportionately affected by the disease.
Gorton said testing at Bluegrass Community and Technical College will continue into next week. Walgreens on Executive Drive is also offering testing, but only for health care workers, first responders, and those with symptoms.
Gorton said there are discussions about taking testing directly into neighborhoods. “We’re working with the health department to see if we can make that work. So, a mobile van would go through the neighborhood. It’s not exactly walk up testing, but it’s close,” explained Gorton.
Gorton said Lexington’s senior center will likely be closed for several more weeks. But, until it reopens, exercises classes are being offered remotely through the center’s Facebook page.
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