LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Gov. Andy Beshear announced on Monday that restaurants and bars need to close to dine-in customers, but COVID-19 is already having a big impact on all types of local businesses.
Many sports facilities and leagues across the bluegrass have suspended play.
A closed sign hangs on the front door of Kentucky Indoor Soccer and Sports in Lexington.
On weeknights, the facility would usually be packed with teams playing in youth or adult soccer leagues. However, the coronavirus has led them to suspend play.
“Got two young kids, and a lot of people come through our facility. So the first thing I thought of was what needs to be done to keep people safe," Kentucky Indoor owner Richie Walsh said. "If we can do that and help out in any way we'd be better off, everybody would be better off."
Walsh says with schools closing and all public gatherings discouraged, this seemed like the best decision. In the meantime, he says his staff has been extra diligent about cleaning.
“Every surface has been cleaned, we shut down this past weekend brought in a cleaning crew that took care of every surface that can possibly be touched by anybody. Other than that we're going to give it some time,” said Walsh.
Walsh says while he’s monitoring the situation, right now the plan is to reopen for league play on April 6.
He says he's willing to do whatever it takes to keep people safe, even if it hurts his bottom line.
“It's unfortunate, but that's the way it is, and we hope everyone comes back healthy and ready to get back on the field,” said Walsh.
While a number of local and family-owned businesses are closing this week, Walsh is trying to stay positive, and hoping virus numbers go down soon.
“It's very difficult. The whole system seems to be grinding to a halt. But at the same time we have to be aware this is grinding to a halt for two weeks. We're strong, we have a lot of food, we have a lot of resources and I suspect that if everybody stays together and keeps a level head we'll get through this just fine,” said Walsh.
Tower Hill Sports is another Lexington facility that has temporarily closed based on health department recommendations. Central Kentucky YMCA locations are closed to the public as of Monday.
Lexington Football Club, Commonwealth Soccer Club, LYSA recreational and adult soccer leagues have all been suspended until further notice based on recommendations from U.S. Soccer and the CDC.
Little League Baseball has suspended all of their leagues until at least April 6th.
Not everywhere has opted to close though. Goal Station Futbox in Lexington announced on their social media pages that they will remain open, with group trainings offered several days a week, despite the health department recommendations.
