LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Although she urged Lexingtonians to carry on as normal, Mayor Gorton has issued a state of emergency after the state's first confirmed case of Coronavirus.
Details have been scarce, but Governor Beshear confirmed that a person in Lexington had tested positive for the virus. Epidemiologists are currently working on tracing the individual's contacts.
Lexington's Commissioner of Health, Dr. Kraig Humbaugh, urged residents to treat COVID-19 as any respiratory illness. Wash your hands and avoid touching your hands and face. If you are sick, stay home.
The reason that both the Governor and Mayor have declared a state of emergency is to access funds.
After speaking with Gov. Beshear, Mayor Linda Gorton has decided to declare a state of emergency in the city (that allows city to access additional funds). She echoes the governor in urging people to stay calm, but take proper precautions. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/sOrfUqP09I
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) March 7, 2020