Most government offices and facilities will reopen to the public on Friday, June 11, Mayor Linda Gorton announced today.
“We’ve been waiting for this day for a long time,” Gorton said. “COVID-19 is moving into our rearview mirror with almost 60 percent of our adult population, age 18 and over, fully vaccinated. It’s time to reopen to the public.” The reopening follows the guidance of Gov. Andy Beshear and the CDC.
Gorton said getting the Senior Centers open is at the top of her list. “Our seniors have really missed their friends and activities at the Senior Center. We’ve tried to bridge the gap with online classes, but nothing takes the place of an in-person visit.”
Gorton closed the Senior Centers on March 13, 2020. It was one of the first steps she took to protect the community from a disease that has infected 35,307 people in Fayette County, and taken the lives of 316 local residents over the past 15 months.
As they open gradually, Seniors will find some changes at the city’s four Senior Centers – including The Lexington Senior Center at 195 Life Lane, and 3 satellite program sites at Bell House, Black & Williams Center, and Charles Young Center.
“We ask for everyone’s patience. There will be program changes as we gradually move forward. We will keep everyone informed.”
Government offices will also open to the public on June 11. Government offices have been closed since March 23, 2020. “We have worked hard to continue to provide government services, but we know at times some people have been inconvenienced by the closure,” Gorton said.
The Urban County Council will resume in-person meetings on June 15.
A handful of government facilities are not opening on June 11 or have limited hours:
- The pools have already reopened but they are on limited hours because of a shortage of lifeguards. Tates Creek Pool is closed this week because of a leak. Parks and golf courses are also open.
- Global Lex remains closed to the public while ventilation is improved. However, work continues virtually.
- Visitation will resume at the Fayette County Detention Center on July 6. Initially, visitation will be limited to one visit per week per inmate on an assigned day. Visitors will be limited to 2 adults age 12 and over, and a child, age 11 and under. Video visitation will still be available for each inmate.
