NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (LEX 18) — The city of Nicholasville created a new task force to help make a comprehensive plan for reopening businesses and organizations when it’s time to do so.
Officials with the task force say they won’t be creating guidelines, but they’ll follow state and federal guidelines already in place. They will act as a resource for the community to address concerns and questions. The goal is also to come up with a strategy for when restrictions are lifted
The task force will consist of Nicholasville Mayor Pete Sutherland, Jessamine County Judge Executive David West, Jessamine County Public Health Director Randy Gooch, Nicholasville City Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem Alex Carter, Jessamine Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ronda May and State Representative Russ Meyer.
They, along with local business leaders, will work closely with state and health officials. They'll create several working groups, including manufacturing, small business, medical, tourism, faith and non-profits, and education.
“For each working group, it will be co-chaired by a representative of the task force and a member of our community with knowledge and expertise in that particular area,” said Sutherland.
Sutherland says the reopening process will be gradual and he wants to make sure everyone is prepared for when the time comes.
“As we come back online with our work and our jobs, we do it in an organized manner and to be able to have certain people to go to and answer questions so there’s no confusion about what a particular business can do.”
Jessamine County has had 32 positive cases of COVID-19. Twenty-eight of them have recovered, but officials say that doesn’t mean they’re out of the woods yet. As the state moves closer to reopening, they encourage the community to keep practicing physical distancing guidelines.
