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.

CHFS COVID-19 Resources - you'll find information and links to resources related to CHFS agency response to COVID-19 and its impact on our programs, services and the people we serve.

The Office of Inspector General is the regulatory and licensing agency for all health care, day care and long-term and child adoption/child-placing agencies in the commonwealth. Visit CHFS COVID-19 Resources for Office of Inspector General guidance related to COVID-19.

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 COVID-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.

Protect Yourself and Your Family

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

Cleaning and Disinfecting

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

About COVID-19

Latest Updates from the CDC

Social distancing is key to keeping Kentuckians safe. It is essential that Kentuckians 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 and 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/Caregiver Guide to helping families cope with the Coronavirus Disease 2019​

During the COVID-19 State of Emergency, individuals who need special healthcare coverage should click here Healthcare Coverage Application. This coverage is temporary and ends on 6/30/2020 unless you submit an application for regular Medicaid. For application help, contact an application assister through the Application Assister Web Page or call the Kentucky Healthcare Customer Service line toll-free at (855) 459-6328. For a listing of participating medical providers please access the Kentucky Medicaid Provider Directory. If you have questions or need more information about a participating provider, you can call 1-800-635-2570.

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 by calling the Kentucky Healthcare Customer Service line toll-free at (855) 459-6328, contacting an application assister through the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange website, visiting the Benefind website or by calling the DCBS Call Center toll free at (855) 306-8959.

KY Medicaid COVID - 19 Information

Individuals may apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, 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. 

Become a volunteer- Learn More about Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Sign up to volunteer 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.

COVID-19 Case Reporting

Person Under Investigation (PUI) Case Reporting Instructions and Form

EPID 200 Kentucky Reportable Disease Form

Healthcare Providers and Lab (KDPH)

HCP Return to Work Guidelines New

Rehabilitative Services and COVID-19  

Controlled Substance Prescribing (KBML)  

Elective Health Care Services  

Discontinuation of Home Isolation for Persons with COVID-19

Guidance for Acute Healthcare Facilities in response to COVID-19

Guidance for Long-term Care Facilities in response to COVID-19

Guidance to Healthcare Providers regarding COVID-19 State Laboratory Testing 

COVID-19 Health Advisory Update and Clinical Guidance 

Guideline for Conservation of Respiratory Protection Resources 

KDPH Division of Laboratory Services

Healthcare Providers and Laboratories

COVID-19: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communication Access Recommendations for the Hospital 

SAMHSA OTP Guidance: SAMHSA issued guidance allowing states with and without emergency declarations to allow Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) to provide 28 days of take-home medication to stable patients and 15 days of medication to less stable patients whom the OTP believes can responsibly manage this amount of medication.

SAMHSA 42 CFR Part 2 Guidance: SAMHSA issued guidance which allows providers to share patient SUD diagnosis information that would normally be protected under 42 CFR Part 2 in instances of a bona fide medical emergency. Usage of the medical emergency exception must be documented by providers.

CMS Guidance to Catastrophic Coverage Plans: CMS issued an FAQ clarifying that catastrophic coverage plans must include coverage of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment under the Essential Health Benefits. CMS will waive enforcement actions against any such plan which provides COVID-19 services before patients pay the plan’s deductible, and encourages plans and states to provide such pre-deductible coverage.

Update and Interim Guidance on Outbreak of COVID-19

Evaluating and Reporting Persons Under Investigation

Interim Infection Prevention and Control - Cases Confirmed or Under Investigation in Healthcare Settings

Interim Risk Assessment and Public Health Management - Travel-related or community transmission cases

COVID-19 Risk Assessment and Public Health Management Decision Making Flow Chart

Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control FAQs for COVID-19

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Protective Equipment

Strategies for Optimizing Supply of N95 Respirators

Information for Laboratories

Interim U.S. Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Healthcare Personnel with Potential Exposure in a Healthcare Setting to Patients with COVID-19

Interim Guidance for Implementing Home Care of People Not Requiring Hospitalization for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)