Kentucky’s second largest city is now listed in the White House-labeled coronavirus red zone. That’s the highest level when it comes to the spread of the virus. Lexington is reporting, on average, more than 24 cases per 100,000 people.
Mayor Linda Gorton says mask wearing, social distancing, and staying in as much as possible remain key preventive measures. “Early on Dr. Capilouto, president of UK said, we’ve got two choices. We either need to figure out how we can live with this or totally shut down. We’ve done the totally shutting down, back in March and April. We’re trying to figure out how to best live with this,” said Gorton
Gorton said the city is working with UK as it relates to student behavior and COVID-19. The mayor said indications are it could be next summer before 60% of the U.S. population is vaccinated. She said that’s what experts say it takes to provide widespread protection.
The mayor says her city has very high standards when it comes to hiring and retaining police officers. Brett Hankison, a former police officer in Louisville, was indicted this week on three counts of wanton endangerment in connection with the Breonna Taylor case. Hankison formerly worked in Lexington and, when he resigned, his supervisor recommended against rehiring him in the future.
Despite Hankison’s poor review while serving at Lexington PD, Mayor Gorton says officers there are well trained. “They get the best training of any officers in the nation. I would put them up against any officers in the nation. And when an officer doesn’t make it here, they’re gone. We expect that our citizens expect that,” said Gorton.
Gorton said Breonna Taylor’s death is, quote, “a tragedy”, adding she feels badly for her family and friends. The mayor said that should be acknowledged by all.?
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