Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton has announced the opening of the city’s emergency operations center to help cope with coronavirus activity. Also, the mayor said the first confirmed case of COVID-19 among city employees came yesterday involving a firefighter.
Tighter restrictions on city parks are being implemented. Lexington Parks and Recreation Department Director Monica Conrad.
“Our natural areas including McConnell Springs and Raven Run as well as our golf courses will close this evening. Our high impact sports areas are now closed. This includes all athletic courts, and fields, and skate parks,” said Conrad.
Conrad said city parks remain open for walkers, runners, and cyclists.
Beginning this weekend Gorton noted many of the city’s employees will be staying home with the Healthy at Home plan for workers. She said basic services will be maintained including police, fire, and waste collection, the exception being the suspension of yard waste collection.
Fayette Health Commissioner Kraig Humbaugh stressed the importance of maintaining social distancing. He also said COVID-19 tests need to be reserved for those in the hospital, caregivers, and first responders. “I understand the need that people have to want to know their diagnosis. However, in most cases the illness will be manageable at home and what they do in terms of their management of the illness at home from the medical standpoint will be the same, whether they know their diagnosis or not.”
Humbaugh noted home illness management includes taking Tylenol, lots of fluids, and plenty of rest.
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