Mayor Linda Gorton and Commissioner of Health Dr. Kraig Humbaugh said today there are two additional COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases in Kentucky: one in Harrison County, one being treated in Fayette.

Health officials are working with the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) to identify and speak with all those who may have come in close contact with the two people. These individuals will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms. There are now six confirmed cases in Kentucky. Two of the cases are being treated in Lexington; one is known to be a Lexington resident.

Additional details about the people involved cannot be provided because of medical privacy laws.

“Lexington citizens are pulling together, taking care of one another,” Gorton said. “If we all take simple precautions – wash your hands, stay home if you’re sick – we can have a real impact on this virus.”

The health department backed Monday’s message from Gov. Andy Beshear encouraging all Kentucky senior centers, nursing homes and long-term care centers to restrict visitation policies.

Senior adults and those with chronic health conditions are at higher risk for complications of COVID-19. The CDC recommends the following for people over the age of 60 and anyone with heart, lung or kidney disease, cancer or diabetes:

• Stay at home as much as possible.
• Make sure you have access to medications and supplies in case you are advised to stay home.
• When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
• Avoid crowds.

The stakeholder group organized by the Mayor will have its first conference call this week. “We hope to learn more about the different ways our City is responding, and what we can do to improve coordination and communication,” Gorton said.

COVID-19 is an emerging disease and the health department is staying up-to-date on the latest information.

To help answer the community’s questions about COVID-19, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is operating a call center for members of the public. Questions can be asked by calling (859) 899-2222 during regular business hours or emailing COVID19@lfchd.org. Additional information, including frequently asked questions, can be found at lfchd.org and on the LFCHD social media accounts. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LFCHD, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LFCHD and Instagram at @lexpublichealth.

The City is also providing updates on lexingtonky.gov. Click on COVID-19 information.