McCracken County leaders declared a state of emergency this morning in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Paducah Mayor Brandi Harless and McCracken County Judge-Executive Craig Clymer announced their declarations this morning.
The declaration signed by Harless is retroactive to March 1, following the actions of other counties in the region, in acknowledging the “infectious disease” which has adversely impacted Paducah and McCracken County.
“...this public health hazard has impacted the health, lifestyles and income of residents, public property, organizations and agencies with emergency responsibilities and disrupted large events, school schedules and impacted nearly all aspects of public transportation modes and supply chains for goods and materials including medical and food supplies… ,” the document reads in part.
The order puts into motion the local Emergency Operations Plan; directs the Paducah-McCracken County Emergency Management Director and office to coordinate resources and assistance for McCracken County residents and agencies; directs all agencies with the City of Paducah to provide assistance and cooperate to the fullest extent with Paducah-McCracken County Emergency Management; allows the mayor to waive procedures and typical formalities otherwise required by law regarding performance of public work, entering into contracts, incoming obligations, employment of permanent and temporary workers, utilization of volunteer workers, rental of equipment and appropriation and expenditure of funds.
Lyon County Judge-Executive Wade White shared a video Tuesday explaining what would happen if or when a potential COVID-19 case reaches his community.
He said Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear would make the announcement and share the person’s age and plan of care; that person would remain quarantined until they’re able to be tested.
While that person is quarantined, White said public health care nurses would conduct a “contact investigation” to learn where that person might have caught the virus and the potential for that person to spread it to others. The nurses will reach out to anyone who might have been in contact with the quarantined person so they may also begin a self quarantine.
White also shared a message of local organizations offering assistance to those in the COVID-19 high-risk group.
“The churches have jumped on board to help us with anybody who has isolated themselves because they are in that category that this virus can hurt. If you know somebody that’s in that category and the neighbors aren’t able to help bring them groceries or whatever they need and they don’t have any family members, we want to step in and help with that. The churches have agreed to do that,” he said.
White said anyone who needs assistance or knows of someone who does may contact his office by calling 270-388-7311 or contact any of the mayors’ offices.
