Dr. Moyer Urges Caution As Louisville Reopens

Louisville KY

19 June, 2020

10:44 AM

Description

Press release from the City of Louisville: June 18, 2020 LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 18, 2020) – Dr. Sarah Moyer, director of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and the city's Chief Health Strategist, is urging people to "take it slow" as the city reopens and eases COVID-19 social distancing restrictions. "If we all don't go slowly, and don't follow the rules, we may have to implement stronger restrictions and close things again. Nobody wants that. So please, stay home if you're sick, keep washing your hands, wearing your mask when you go out and if you socialize outside your immediate family circle, do it outdoors and six feet apart," she said. Confirmed COVID-19 cases have been in every zip code in Louisville with the highest concentrations in ZIP Codes 40214, 40218 and 40219 (excluding for long term care facilities). Last week contact tracing began with the first 25 people hired. "Tomorrow our second class of 20 will begin making calls," said Karen Handmaker, who is coordinating the project. "Eventually we expect to hire 80 – 100 people depending on the need. We're trying to make sure we are hiring people who reflect the communities they serve and have the language skills to communicate effectively." So far, 20 percent of contact tracers are bilingual speaking languages such as Spanish, Hindu, Turkish, Thai, Croatian, Serbian and Telegu. Many of the contact tracers have backgrounds in counseling and social work, health care and public health. "We're still hiring," Handmaker added. "If you live in Louisville, and want to contribute to our community's COVID19 response, I encourage you to apply at https://jobs.kindredhealthcare.com/job/louisville/covid-19-contact-tracer/653/16374408." Lacuna Health, a subsidiary of Kindred Healthcare and contractor for the Department of Public Health and Wellness, is managing the hiring and training of community contact tracers to help slow the spread of COVID19. Pools to Reopen June 29 The Kentucky Department for Public Health has issued guidelines for public pools to reopen June 29. Prior to opening pool operators must implement Healthy at Work minimum requirements, limit occupancy to ensure at least six feet social distancing, pay their licensing fees and receive an opening inspection from the local health department. Licensing fees can be paid online at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/pay-permit-here. Opening inspections can be scheduled by sending an email to [email protected] or calling 574-6650. Daily COVID-19 numbers 3,321 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Louisville 40 new since yesterday 196 deaths 2 new since yesterday 76-year-old female 61-year-old male 2,580 recovered 118 new since yesterday Race Confirmed 57% White 31% Black 6% AsianDeceased 64% White 30% Black 5% Asian Ethnicity Confirmed 17% Hispanic/Latino Deceased 3% Hispanic/LatinoCurrently, 3 members of LMPD, Louisville Fire, Metro EMS, Metro Corrections and the Sheriff's Office are off-duty due to COVID-19: 2 are off with positive tests and in self-isolation. 1 is off and quarantined awaiting confirmation of testing Positive test numbers for first responders/public safety since the incident began: 49 positive tests 46 have fully recovered and returned to duty Metro Corrections inmate data: 1,305 inmates have been tested 10 positives 45 tests are pending This press release was produced by the City of Louisville. The views expressed here are the author's own.