COVID-19 Response Update: Wednesday brings additional closures in Metcalfe County

By Jennifer Moonsong
jupitermoonsong@yahoo.com
General Manager

Metcalfe County has announced several more closures today, in compliance with requests directly from the office of Gov. Andy Beshear, and recommendations handed down by the CDC.

At this time, there are still no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Metcalfe County. There is one test sight in the county, with a limited amount of supplies.

There are now 27 confirmed cases, and one coronavirus fatality statewide.

County/city stakeholders are holding a conference call each day, and communicating with officials on a state level to stay fully informed, and aware of changes and developments in the situation.

According to Emory Kidd, Director of MCEM, a Metcalfe County helpline is being established and will be active before the week ends.

This helpline is to help citizens who are afraid to go out for essentials; By calling the hotline, they can have items delivered. This will be available beginning Thursday, March 19 from 9 AM – 3 PM, operating on to our shifts by volunteers, shirt, elected officials and the Sheriff’s Office.

Kid asks that residence of the county do not abuse this much-needed service, and that although they will make deliveries, the county is not responsible for paying for the needed items, only the delivery of essentials.

Closures/ Changes
Effective Thursday March 19th, the Metcalfe County Government Center will Be accessible to the staff and employees of the government center only, until further notice.

“Some of the services provided by county government require a personal visit. Preparations are being made on each department to accommodate these services, when possible,” said a press release distributed by the Judge/ Executive’s office late Wednesday.

It is recommended that people call the individual offices if they need to, and to visit the websites and Facebook pages of the various departments for updates.

The Sheriff’s Office is one such department.

“Our nation is currently facing unprecedented challenges, and these minor changes will hopefully bring a timely conclusion for us all.  As a citizen, I value the importance of this office’s accessibility to the public. As your Sheriff, I am committed to keeping the interruptions of our services to a minimum.  Though our lobby is closed to the public, our office will remain fully operational,” said Sheriff Lonnie Hodges.

“Our office will continue to maintain law enforcement services throughout the county during this time.  In the event of an emergency; as always, contact 911.”

Local grocery stores are keeping their doors open, but making amendments to how they operate.

The Dollar General Market is reserving the first hour of operation for elderly only, and asks that the community complies. IGA has reduced the hours of operation in order to have more time to appropriately clean and sanitize the store.

Below is is a list of approved contact info and informational sites for citizens:

Metcalfe County Emergency Management Facebook Page
Barren River District Health Department Facebook Page
https://www.barrenriverhealth.org/
KY COVID-19 Hotline – 800-722-5725
KY COVID-19 Website- www.kycovid19.ky.gov
Report price gouging-888-432-9257
KY Clinicians – 888-404-1539
Twitter – #TeamKentucky #TogetherKY CDC- cdc.gov/coronavirus Link to Governors You Tube Site: Governor Beshear’s Youtube
Metcalfe County Help Line: 270-404-3059 starting March 19, 2020