Mayor Brandi Harless and County Judge-Executive Craig Clymer were joined by Sheriff Matt Carter, Police Chief Brian Laird, Fire Chief Steve Kyle, Purchase District Health Department Epidemiologist Lindsey Cunningham, City Manager Jim Arndt, Director of Paducah-McCracken County Emergency Management Jerome Mansfield, leadership of Mercy EMS, Baptist Health Paducah and Mercy Health Lourdes, and leaders of WKCTC, Paducah City Schools, St. Mary Schools and McCracken County Schools.
Each speaker outlined the individual efforts of their agency to maintain public health and safety. This article will be updated frequently this afternoon as more details are added.
Mayor Harless thanked everyone who participated and said they are unified in commitment to the safety and well-being of the community. She encouraged residents to take care of their own health, but to also find ways to help each other during this uncertain time.
"We are known for our incredible hospitality here in Paducah and McCracken County. It's time for us to demonstrate that to one another and come together as a community. Lets take care of our neighbors, our friends, and our family members." Harless continued, "If we take these short term measures seriously, our health care system will be better equipped to handle those who need the care the most."
Harless also shared that no decisions have been made in regards to the quilt show, which is currently scheduled for April 22 through April 25. She says that officials will be discussing their options, and a decision will be made by next week.
Clymer says that beginning Monday through April 10, all in person appearances for civil and criminal dockets are cancelled and Judges are encouraged to use telephonic or video technology for necessary hearings. All civil trials, hearings, and motions are postponed and rescheduled for a later date and any civil trial that is currently going on can be completed at the discretion of the presiding Judge. With the exception of emergency situations, the small claims, eviction, juvenile, traffic, and guardianship cases will all be continued. Courtroom attendance will be limited to attorneys, parties, and necessary witnesses with no spectators or family members allowed into the courtrooms. Jurors who are ill or caring for someone who is ill will have their service postponed to a later date, with new juror orientations suspended. Attorneys are encouraged to use e-filing or Dropbox for documents when possible. He also says the courthouse has increased their sanitation efforts.
Lindsey Cunningham, region one epidemiologist, shared that as of Friday, Kentucky has tested 118 people, with eleven of those testing positive. She also shared that no cases have been identified in our region.
Dr. Jenny Franke, Chief Clinical Officer of Mercy Health Lourdes, reinforced the idea of social distancing.
She said, "virologists who study this commonly, have looked at what happens if we don't do those things. What happens is that so many people get the infection so quickly at the same time that it overwhelms the health care system."
Dr. Brad Housman, Chief Medical Officer for Baptist Health, says that Baptist Health Paducah has been diligently planning for, and addressing the COVID-19 crises. He says his staff is having daily ongoing discussions about preparedness, and there are plans in place if someone is diagnosed.
Paducah Fire Chief, Steve Kyle, says they will continue to respond to calls, and that all residents can continue to expect the same level of support they've been giving.
McCracken County Sheriff, Matt Carter, ensured the public that the Sheriff's Office stands ready to respond to any law enforcement needs and will continue to provide the level of service residents have come to expect, and deserve.
Brian Laird, Paducah Police Chief, reiterated Carter's statement, saying that the Paducah Police Department stands ready to work with the Sheriff's Department, Fire Department, and Emergency Management to do whatever they can to get through this situation. Laird also shared that beginning Monday their lobby service would be suspended until the situation was resolved. They are also implementing an alternative response policy, allowing them to do more phone reports. Laird closed by saying they will still be responding to reports of violent crimes.
Paducah City Manager, Jim Arndt, says that at the city level they are focusing on the continuity of services, ensuring that all essential services continue to be provided at their highest level. He also reiterated the importance of social distancing. Effective Monday, the city will temporarily close the rec center until further notice, reservations at recreation facilities are cancelled until further notice, and the senior center will be canceling classroom activities, although they will continue with their meals on wheels program.
See more city details here.
Paducah Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Donald Shively, says they will begin NTI on Wednesday, March 18.
McCracken County Public Schools Superintendent, Steve Carter, started by saying that the board of education voted on and approved NTI coursework that is set to begin Monday. He also shared that they have been working on a plan to ensure that food is delivered to every bus stop for students, as well as setting up designated pick up locations. He also reiterated the importance of social distancing.
St. Mary Schools Director, Eleanor Spry, shared that it is important for students to understand that learning at home is a different experience, yet one way to apply what they know in a different way. She continued by saying their staff was excited about implementing the NTI coursework, and that teachers were standing by to help.
On the Net:
Complete City-County News Conference 3-13-20
