Lexington coronavirus updates: Rupp, firefighters, others focus on precautions; Andy Barr to hold Q&A
Event or concert promoters or presenters with license agreements with Rupp Arena and the Central Bank Center (formerly Lexington Center) will decide whether to cancel or delay because of coronavirus, Lexington Center CEO Bill Owen said. Cancellations or changes will be noted on the online schedule at www.centralbankcenter.com.
“We are in discussion with all clients on a constant basis and prepared to respond to community health officials as we take steps to contain or mitigate the virus,” he said.
In addition to monitoring the virus and keeping in contact with clients, the center is increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting in the center. Cleaning frequency now goes “beyond the standard daily schedule,” Owen said in a statement. Owen also said the center now has hand sanitizer dispensers in the lobbies.
Emergency crews emphasize caution, cleanliness
COVID-19 isn’t yet causing emergency response teams in Lexington to change protocols, but they are being cautious.
The Lexington Fire Department already had protocols in place to avoid exposure to diseases, but those protocols are now being emphasized, Battalion Chief Jordan Saas said.
Dispatchers ask if those who need assistance have traveled recently, and where they’ve traveled to. If the department has reason to believe there’s risk, responders will use protective gear, Saas said.
“Not only do we wear the personal protection equipment that we normally wear, which is gloves and goggles, and other protection, but it now is masks on other people, and, if necessary, masks on ourselves and gowns,” he said.
As long as first responders take precautions, Saas said, concern isn’t as high.
“All of the political parties and medical experts are saying that if we take the proper precautions of washing our hands and staying home if we are sick … the likelihood of transmission is not high at all,” Saas said.
The Lexington Police Department has not changed its protocols or operations. The department has always emphasized cleanliness in the field, Sergeant Donnell Gordon said. Officers are taught to wear gloves and wash their hands after responding to calls.
“We are more cautious of any type of virus that’s out there,” Gordon said. “For us, we’ve always had concerns about any type of diseases or things that we may get.”
The department has masks to use when searching for narcotics, but those masks are not currently being used for illness
Explorium cleans more frequently
The Explorium is ramping up its cleaning procedures as well, the local children’s museum announced Tuesday.
The Explorium cleans and disinfects every night, but it will now begin cleaning and disinfecting during the day as well. This cleaning process will include all surfaces, exhibits, benches, chairs, doors and the front desk area.
The Explorium also provides hand sanitizer to its guests, and will continue to do so as long as it is available, Executive Director Lee Ellen Martin said in a statement.
Martin also asked that potential guests who are sick or come into contact with someone who is sick refrain from visiting the museum.
Lexington Children’s Theatre installs hand sanitizing stations
The Lexington Children’s Theatre said in a Facebook post Tuesday that it has increased cleaning routines and installed hand sanitizing stations in its lobby and outside the elevators on each floor.
And in a nod to its recent Dr. Seuss show, the theater said it has put up signage that encourages visitors to “wash their hands like you’ve just made a GIANT mess with the Cat in the Hat and your mother is going to be home any minute!”
The theater is maintaining its current policies regarding school cancellations but will will try to be flexible with patrons who want to exchange their tickets for public performances because they are uncomfortable attending shows right now, the post said.
“We encourage all LCT participants and staff to stay home from classes, rehearsal, Companies, etc. if they are experiencing symptoms that may relate to the virus or the flu,” the statement said.
Rep. Andy Barr to host telephone town hall on COVID-19
Congressman Andy Barr said he will host a “Teletown Hall” event to update constituents on the federal coronavirus response from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Wednesday.
Barr will be joined by infectious disease specialist Dr. Charles Kennedy, epidemiologist at St. Joseph Hospital, and together they will take questions from callers, Barr’s office said in a news release.
To participate, residents of the Sixth Congressional District can call 877-229-8493 and enter the pin number 110108. The event will also be livestreamed. The link will be shared on Facebook and Twitter, Barr’s office said.
This story was originally published March 10, 2020 at 4:52 PM.