COVID-19 Hotline (800) 722-5725

The COVID-19 hotline is a service operated by the healthcare professionals at the KY Poison Control Center who can provide advice and answer questions. Please be patient as we are handling a high volume of calls and want to give everyone the time they deserve. For general information, please review the website prior to calling the hotline. Guidance is being added as it becomes available.

Current as of March 19, 2020 at 5 p.m. Eastern time

Kentucky Coronavirus Monitoring
Number Tested: 639
Positive: 40

Note: Data include both confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 reported to KDPH at 9 a.m. Eastern time daily.

Logos for Cabinet of Health and Family Services, Team Kentucky, and Kentucky Department of Health (Prevent. Promote. Protect)

COVID-19 Related Actions taken by Gov. Andy Beshear

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The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) is responding actively to the COVID-19 situation. Our State Health Operations Center is operating at Level 1, its highest activation level. This respiratory disease was first detected in a Kentucky resident on March 6, 2020.

Resources

COVID-19 Related Actions taken by Gov. Andy Beshear

Learn More

CHFS COVID-19 Resources

Interim Guidance for Limited Duration Child Care Programs

Gov. Andy Beshear's Communications Office (news releases, other advisories)

Gov. Andy Beshear's YouTube Channel - all posted news conference videos. You can view livestream events here.

If you have developed a fever or respiratory symptoms and believe you have had exposure to a known case or traveled to an area with community spread, isolate yourself from others in your home and contact your healthcare provider or local health department to describe your symptoms and any recent travel before you go to the healthcare facility.

Preventing COVIC-19 Spread in Communities

For the latest information and prevention updates, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2019 novel coronavirus site

Kentucky Department for Public Health recommends following the CDC Guidelines for preventing COVID-19 spread in communities.

At home	At work
K-12 Schools and Childcare programs	Colleges and Universities
Healthcare settings	Pregnant women and children
Those at risk for serious illness from COVID-19	Large events and gatherings
Homeless shelters	First responders
Reducing stigma	Guidance for Kentucky Community- and Faith- Based Organizations

Protect Yourself and Your Family

Kentucky Department for Public Health wants you to protect yourself and your family.

Prepare yourself, your family and your community	CDC Talking with children about coronavirus
Get your home ready	Resources for the home
Talking to Children about COVID-19: A Parent Resource

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Kentucky Department for Public Health recognizes CDC recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting.

How to clean and disinfect	General household cleaning and disinfecting
After suspected or confirmed exposure	During isolation of someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19

About COVID-19

How it spreads	Symptoms
Prevention and Treatment	Stigma and COVID-19
What to do if you are sick	Frequently asked questions

Latest Updates from the CDC

Cases in the U.S.	Global locations with COVID-19
Risk assessment

Social distancing is key to keeping Kentuckians safe. It is essential that Kentuckian's participate in the following social distancing activities:

It is advised that all community gatherings be cancelled
All 172 school districts, the Kentucky School for the Blind and Kentucky School for the Deaf will close
Avoid all non-essential travel. Do not fly. Do not participate in cruise travel.
Recommend the temporary closure of senior centers to help halt the spread of the virus for those most vulnerable
All state prisons are closed to visitors
Recommend businesses to utilize telecommuting and allow employees to work from home if possible
State boards and commissions have canceled any scheduled in-person meetings and instead will use video teleconference technology
Hospitals are asked to cease elective procedures

This guidance will continue to change as circumstances warrant.

Uncertainty leads to anxiety. Follow these tips to maintain your mental health & reduce anxiety. Please seek professional help if needed. For more information, visit the CDC guidance for managing anxiety and stress.

CDC Mental Health and Coping during COVID-19

Coping with Stress during Infectious Disease Outbreaks

Parent/CaregiverGuide to helping families cope with the Coronavirus Disease 2019

How to file an unemployment insurance claim if you have lost a job or are sick due to COVID-19

Individuals may apply for Medicaid only by calling the Kentucky Healthcare Customer Service line toll-free at (855) 459-6328 or contacting an application assister through the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange website.

Apply for all public assistance programs by visiting the Benefind website or by calling the DCBS Call Center toll free at (855) 306-8959.

To see if you might be eligible for WIC, visit: WIC Screening Tool. If you think you might be eligible, contact your local health department for more information on enrolling. Local health department contact information is here.

The COVID-19 response in Kentucky involves stakeholders at every level of the healthcare system. The following documents and links reflect the most current guidance for healthcare providers, laboratories and local public health.