With the first case of COVID-19 being identified in Fayette County this afternoon, KY Gov. Beshear quickly delared that a “State of Emergency” exists in Kentucky. This declaration should not be misconstrued as nothing more than what it is used for. State of Emergency declarations are an official process to allow that governments can make necessary resources available to local entities. The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management in cooperation with the Kentucky National Guard and Kentucky Public Health have been ordered to coordinate the response and relief activities of all state agencies and private relief organizations in response to the COVID-19.
This declaration should not alarm anyone. We should all remain calm and follow the instructions presented to us. Things like these prevention techniques:
Gov. Beshear said as with any virus, especially during the flu season, there are a number of steps Kentuckians should take to protect their health, including:
- Get a flu shot from your Local Health Department or your family provider.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Click here to watch videos on proper handwashing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then properly dispose of it.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
For more information about the state’s preparedness and response shared Thursday, people can click here.
People can call the COVID-19 Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
Kentuckians can visit kycovid19.ky.gov and cdc.gov/coronavirus for up-to-date information.
The full text of the Executive Order can be found here
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