This is also a developing economic impact story for the bluegrass. Locally-owned businesses are the lifeblood of the Lexington and Beaumont community, and continuing to support them is a critical part of the entire regional economy, and the interconnected network that makes the bluegrass special.
“We recognize that this will be painful for some groups, but we also know that we must do everything we can to protect the lives of our citizens,” said Lexington mayor Linda Gorton at one of this week’s coronavirus press conferences.
Below is a list of precautionary closings that have been announced in Lexington and the surrounding bluegrass area. This list will be updated frequently as more info becomes available. As always, check with the venue/organization directly to confirm the most up to the minute information.
[This is an ongoing, developing story and will be updated frequently.]
Blue Grass Airport has reported “We are still operating non-stop flights to all destinations, but carefully monitoring the situation. We continue to work closely with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Mayor’s Office and health officials to meet and exceed local, state and federal guidelines. We are committed to keeping our passengers safe and informed as we continue to navigate this global pandemic.”
Fayette County Clerk Don Blevins announced in a release, “The Fayette County Clerk’s office will close to the public beginning Tuesday, March 17, and remain closed until further notice. Staff and office ceased operation on March 27 and will remain temporarily closed until April 13.
Fayette County Public Schools has reported schools will be closed beginning March 16 and will not reopen until April 6, 2020. The Governor announced this decision is “not in response to a specific public health threat in our schools, but is an action to implement social distancing statewide.” FCPS offices will be open to help respond to questions from March 16 through March 27, and will pause between March 30 and April 3 due to spring break. (Child Care Council of Kentucky is launching a website to help connect people with childcare openings.)
On Sunday, March 22, Superintendent Manny Caulk announced “All Fayette County Public Schools will remain closed to students until April 20, 2020.”
As of April 2, FCPS is now going to remain closed until May 1.
On April 20, it was decided students will remain at home and continue their schooling through NTI.
This information has since been updated as of March 26, 2020. Click here for the updated information.
With food security being a reality for many families, FCPS has developed Bus Bites, a plan to provide breakfast and lunch for anyone 18-years-old or younger. Boxed meals will be available for children at a total of 115 bus stops and 18 school locations throughout the community. Breakfast will be served from 8-9 am and lunch will be served from 11 am-12:30 pm. On March 16, 2020, only lunch will be served. Twice a day service on March 17-20, 2020 and March 23-27, 2020. No service on March 30-April 3, schools were already scheduled to be closed for spring break. Specific information can be found here.
Good Foods Co-Op grocery store remains open, but their dining area is closed. They are offering curbside pick-up and customers to order grab & go options via phone from 8 am until 7:30 pm. They are dedicating certain hours (8 am until 9 am) for seniors and those at higher risk.
Gyms and Spas across Kentucky have been ordered to shut down effective March 18 until further notice. Check with your gyms social media or website for when they will open and posts of workout videos.
Habitat for Humanity’s Shamrock Shuffle, scheduled for Saturday March 14, has been canceled.
Hair Salons have been ordered to close by Governor Beshear until further notice.
Until further notice, Immanuel Baptist Church is hosting church services online. You can watch by clicking here.
Keeneland officials have announced “the cancellation of the upcoming Spring Meet, which was scheduled for April 2-24, due to safety concerns surrounding the outbreak of COVID-19.”
Kentucky Crafted Market, scheduled for Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15 has been canceled.
Kentucky Derby scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2020 has been postponed until September.
Kentucky Health Solutions plan to continue to help their customers as efficiently and safe as possible. They can complete meetings to discuss insurance needs by phone, email, or video conferencing as needed.
Lexington Comic Con, scheduled for Thursday, March 26 through Sunday, March 29 has been postponed until Thursday, May 14 through Sunday, May 17.
Lexington Humane Society has suspended their volunteer program in all areas as of Tuesday, March 17. They are temporarily closing their main adoption campus and assessing if they have the ability to facilitate adoptions by appointment. Their Everyday Adoption Center at PetSmart in Hamburg is still open.
Although the Lexington Public Library initially canceled all library-sponsored programs, effective immediately, and planned to keep locations open, a new announcement on Friday, March 13 reported, “In response to the growing COVID-19 pandemic, Lexington Public Library will close all library locations beginning at the close of business today, Friday, March 13 at 6 pm. The Library currently plans to reopen for daily operation on Monday, April 6.” According to the post on their Facebook page, “Please do not return library materials until we reopen. There will be no charges for overdue materials.”
As of Monday, March 30, the Lexington Public Library will remain closed until “officials deem it safe to reopen.”
Monticello Bank ATMs and other non-customer services continue. Their main lobby’s and offices remain open and ready to serve their customers.
Lexington area movie theaters including Cinemark Fayette Mall are closed.
On the Table, scheduled for March 25, is a city-wide conversation where Lexingtonians can get to know each other better and discuss what is and is not working in our communities. This year, due to a recommendation from the Lexington-Fayette County Health Dept., “we are postponing the in-person conversations as a part of On the Table.” The survey process will instead begin online on March 25.
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton recommended that all public events be canceled or postponed. The CDC recommends canceling or postponing events of 50 or more.
The Saint Patrick’s Parade and Festival, scheduled for Saturday March 14, has been canceled. Many area restaurants and bars will continue St. Patrick’s festivities with special menus and offers.
God’s Pantry Food Bank has postponed Taste of the Bluegrass. They are planning to reschedule for later in the summer and will be working with Keeneland on dates. For those who registered via Eventbrite, please hold on to your tickets.
Retailers:
All Bath & Body Works are temporarily closing their stores in the US and Canada. Customers can still shop on their online store.
H&M has closed all stores nationwide and in Canada until April 2 or until further notice.
Both Lexington Habitat ReStores are closed effective March 21 until further notice.
Macy’s at Fayette Mall is temporarily closing their stores from March 18 until March 31. They will reassess when to open at their doors at the end of their temporary closure.
Effective March 18, Simpson Optical will close all three of their locations until further notice. A staff member will be available to answer phone calls at 859-278-2020 on a limited basis from Monday through Friday during our closure.
Superior Paint and Decorating is offering curbside drop-off to your car. Their new hours are Monday to Friday 7:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Universities:
University of Kentucky has decided to make the remainder of the spring semester online only. For more information and updates on UK’s spring commencement, click here.
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