The chief executives of the city of Murray and Calloway County issued a joint press release Thursday declaring a state of emergency in both the city and county in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Calloway County Health Department confirmed a second case of COVID-19 in the community Wednesday.
Murray Mayor Bob Rogers and Calloway County Judge/Executive Kenny Imes put forth the orders “due to the public health hazard of the COVID-19 virus as well as the severe economic impact and severe disruption to the lives of the residents of Murray and Calloway County.”
Imes issued an executive order earlier this month to coordinate the county’s response to the pandemic. The emergency declaration frees up more resources for use in the fight against the virus. According to FEMA, a local state of emergency authorizes using local funds, expending local resources and waiving typical bidding processes for goods and services. The declaration also allows the community to receive relief funds and helps to streamline services across local government agencies.
Imes and Rogers said they urge Calloway County residents to follow guidelines established by the federal and state governments to help prevent community spread of the virus. Detailed information on the coronavirus pandemic in Kentucky can be found at kycovid19.ky.gov.
