COVID-19 Resources and Information

Kentucky Primary Voting Options

With the Kentucky Primary coming up on June 23, here are the four options to help guide you in your decision either to vote in person or by absentee ballot.

In person:

June 8-22 at McCracken County Clerk's Office, Monday thru Saturday, 8:30am-4:30pm (no appointment needed)
June 23 at McCracken County Courthouse, 6am-6pm (only polling place in County - wear face mask to enter)

By absentee ballot:

Request ballot at http://govoteky.com
Request ballot thru Clerk's office: call 270-444-4702 or email julie.griggs@ky.gov

Wellness Check Phonecall Program

The City of Paducah has created a COVID-19 Wellness Check Program for people to submit applications for wellness calls to be made to City residents. Within three days after receiving a Wellness Check Application, city employees in the Customer Experience and Administration departments will call the resident.

Wellness Checks are offered for time periods Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Checks can be daily on the weekdays or once per week on Mondays. This is a temporary, free service offered by the City of Paducah.

Small Business Relief Fund and Economic Stimulus Package

Small Business Relief Fund: Small for-profit businesses, that are not a franchise or franchise-affiliated, with 25 or fewer employees and a brick-and-mortar presence within the Paducah city limits were invited to apply for funds through the Small Business Relief Fund. The application period was April 1 through April 10. The City provided $150,000 for the first round of applicants for the Program which provided each of the 75 businesses in the first round a $2000 check. The funds must be used for expenses limited to rent, mortgage, payroll, and utilities. If you are a business and have questions about the application process, call the City of Paducah Planning Department at 270-444-8601.

The City also committed to match community donations up to $100,000 for additional rounds of funding. On May 15, the second round of funding was distributed to the next 50 eligible businesses that applied during the application period. As additional community donations are received, the City will open up a third round of funding.

First Round Businesses (List of 75) - Small Business Relief Fund Recipients
Second Round Businesses (List of 50) - Small Business Relief Fund Recipients
Frequently Asked Questions for Small Business Relief Fund

To donate to the Small Business Relief Fund, visit the Community Foundation of West Kentucky website, call 270-442-8622, or mail your donation to Community Foundation of West KY, Attention: Small Business Relief Fund, P.O. Box 7, Paducah, KY 42001. This is a partnership among the City of Paducah, West Kentucky Community & Technical College, and the Community Foundation of West Kentucky.

The Small Business Relief Fund was based on the findings of the COVID-19 Economic Impact Survey for Businesses that was developed by the City's Planning Department. The deadline to complete the 11-question survey was noon on March 26. Businesses inside and outside the Paducah city limits participated.

Deadline Changed for Business License Tax Filing: Postpones the filing of the annual Gross Receipts License Tax (Business License Tax) to July 15, 2020, for calendar year filers. July 15 is the same deadline that has been adopted recently by the State of Kentucky and the Internal Revenue Service as a replacement for the April 15 deadline.

Commercial Solid Waste Collection: Establishes a 50% price reduction for solid waste collection fees for commercial (non-residential) rollouts and commercial dumpsters. This fee reduction is in effect for commercial solid waste collection services during the months of April and May 2020.

Taxicab Driver’s License Renewal Waiver: Waives the renewal requirement for taxicab licenses until July 1, 2020.

Prevention - Social Distancing is the Best Tool

The City of Paducah is closely monitoring the developments concerning the 2019 Coronavirus (also known at COVID-19). The City of Paducah along with other organizations is participating in meetings organized by the McCracken County Emergency Management Department so that the most up-to-date information can be shared. On March 16, 2020, the City of Paducah in addition to McCracken County issued a Local State of Emergency.

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The vaccine is under development but not expected to be available for 12 to 18 months. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure to the virus and practice social distancing. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases which includes COVID-19.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects such as cell phone and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Resources and Quick Links

Local Resources

Community Hotline and Reference Guide: To get contact information for local resources, call 270-444-8800 during City Hall's normal business hours (8 until 4:30). Leave a message after hours. Paducah-McCracken County Quick Reference Guide for Resources (PDF)
Links: United Way of Paducah-McCracken County Goodwill Industries Kentucky Resources
City's Facebook Page: A Facebook account is not needed to view the City of Paducah Kentucky Government Facebook page.
Business resources - visit the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce - COVID-19 Resources website and the Kentucky Healthy at Work website.
Checklist to Reopen Business/Restaurant: The Paducah Fire Department has created a Fire and Life Safety Checklist for Businesses and Restaurants to review before they reopen. The Paducah City Clerk's Office has created a list of Frequently Asked Questions for Restaurants regarding Alcohol and Beverage Sales.

A Few of the Event Changes

AQS QuiltWeek postponed until September 2 through 5.
Spring Clean Up Day which was scheduled for April 18 is cancelled for 2020.
All city-issued special event permits through the end of April have been revoked. This may be extended.
Paducah Citizens' Academy suspended until further notice.
Paducah Iron Mom Half Marathon has cancelled its May event.
LowerTown Arts & Music Festival is rescheduled for October 2-3.
McCracken County Fair is cancelled for 2020.

Changes to City Services Based on COVID-19

Changes and Reopenings (updates effective June 5)

Market Square: The east and west sides of Market Square are closed to vehicular traffic daily through the Labor Day weekend as a pilot program to allow the various restaurants to expand their outdoor dining while adhering to social distancing guidelines. The City of Paducah has provided approximately 25 picnic tables designated to specific restaurants that are placed along the public parking areas for expanded seating. Additional options are being developed to further expand outdoor dining.

Independence Park located at the corner of Lone Oak Road and Alben Barkley Drive is reopening to the public on June 5. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset. Please note that is not an official dog park. Dogs must be leashed as required at other City of Paducah parks in ordinance with Code of Ordinances Chapter 14. Additional rules for Independence Park that are in effect due to the coronavirus pandemic include a limit of 10 people in the park at a time and to maintain social distancing only one person should enter or exit the gate at a time.

Parks Amenities: Effective Friday, June 5, Stuart Nelson Dog Park and the Skatepark at Noble Park have expanded hours and will be open daily during park hours. Currently, Paducah’s parks are closing at sunset. The Noble Park Tennis Courts will be open daily during parks hours as well. Plus, singles and now doubles matches are permitted. Many of the guidelines exacted to slow the spread of the coronavirus still are enforced and are listed as follows.

Stuart Nelson Dog Park – open daily during park hours

Face masks are recommended for dog owners.
Maintain social distancing.
One person at a time should enter or exit the gates.
Limited to no more than 10 people at one time inside each dog park.
If people are waiting, limit your time in the park to one hour or less.

Skatepark at Noble Park - open daily during park hours

Limited to 10 participants or fewer at a time.
Maintain social distancing.
One person at a time should enter or exit the gate.
No spectators inside skatepark fencing.
Masks are recommended for spectators.
If people are waiting, limit your time in the skatepark to one hour or less.

Noble Park Tennis Courts – open daily during park hours

Courts 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 are open for singles and doubles play.
Courts 2 and 4 are closed.
No spectators inside court fencing.
Maintain social distancing on court and in spectator areas.
Masks are recommended for spectators.
If people are waiting, limit your time on a court to one hour or less.

The Parks & Recreation Department has returned a picnic table to each pavilion in the parks. Please enjoy the outdoors while social distancing in groups of no more than 10 people. Restrooms in Noble Park will have expanded hours but will close at sunset. The City’s parks will continue to close daily at sunset. The public restrooms downtown on Jefferson Street will be open until 9 p.m.

Continued City Closures and Restrictions

City Offices: City offices are closed to the public until further notice. This includes City Hall, the front desk at the Paducah Police Department, access to the Fire Stations, the Parks & Recreation Department office, and the Compost Facility. City services are continuing; however, those needing to contact the City should use other means including phone, email, or online.

City Hall:

Paducah’s City Hall located at 300 South 5th Street is closed to public walk-in foot traffic to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). City services are continuing; however, those needing to contact the City should use other means including phone, email, or online. Crews have been installing clear, acrylic shielding in the Customer Experience area in addition to the Fire Prevention Division, Finance Department, and Commission Chambers.
For citizens who have general questions about City government and local resources, the Customer Experience Department is providing guidance on local organizations and contact numbers. To reach the Customer Experience Department, call 270-444-8800 during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 until 4:30. After hours, please leave a message.
Citizens who would like to drop off a payment to the Finance Department are encouraged to use the drop-box on the 5th Street side of City Hall. Payments are processed the same day.

Parks & Recreation Department:

The Parks & Recreation building located at 1400 H.C. Mathis Drive and the Recreation Center located at 1527 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive are closed to the public.
Classes, leagues, and operations are postponed until further notice including classes and operations at the Paducah Recreation Center; Martial Arts and dance classes held at the Parks Office Building; Youth and adult leagues practices and game schedules; and Farmers’ Market vendor meetings.
All facility reservations of parks picnic shelters, the Anna Baumer Building, Arts and Crafts Building, and Robert Cherry Civic Center are cancelled with no reservations accepted at this time.
All public assembly permit application requests for events between March 13 and April 30 will not be permitted.
Access is restricted to specific features located at the City’s parks. Plus, the parks are closing daily at sunset. The Noble Park basketball courts and playgrounds throughout the city are closed to the public. Note: The parks are open for walking, jogging, etc. Enjoy the green space while using social distancing.
The Noble Park Pool (including swimming lessons), Robert Coleman Sprayground, and the spray pad at the Pat & Jim Brockenborough Rotary Health Park will not open for the season.
Parks & Recreation Department will not be holding summer camps for 2020.
The Transient Boat Dock is closed until further notice.
The following spring and summer programs are cancelled: Youth Soccer, Little League Baseball and Softball, Youth Tennis, Adult Softball, Adult Kickball, Concerts in the Park, Paducah Regatta, Fish Out.

Paducah Parks & Recreation is processing refunds for participants who registered for spring programs that have been cancelled. Those refunds will be mailed to the addresses on file in the coming weeks.

Permits: If you need a permit through the Fire Prevention Division, call Fire Prevention at 270-444-8527. Information will be taken over the phone with payments through the drop-box outside the building. Permits then will be emailed to the permit holder. Regarding plans that need to be reviewed, please send them digitally if possible. Otherwise, contact the receiving department to make arrangements: Engineering at 270-444-8511; Planning at 270-8690; and Fire Prevention at 270-444-8527.

Police Department:

The Department has ceased lobby service at 1400 Broadway. Citizens who come to the department with an emergency or who need to make a report should use the red telephone in the foyer area inside the front doors of the police department. The red telephone connects directly with the E911 Communications Center.
The Records and Evidence units still will accept telephone inquiries; the number is 270-444-8554. Citizens who need to acquire copies of collision reports should purchase them from www.buycrash.com. To purchase copies of crime reports, visit www.buycrimes.com. Open Records requests can be submitted via email to atravis@paducahky.gov or by mail using the information contained at http://paducahky.gov/records-and-evidence.
Fingerprinting, taxi licensing, and prescription drug drop-off services are suspended until further notice.
The lobby of the Criminal Investigations Division, located at 1410 Broadway, is closed until further notice. Citizens who wish to speak with a detective may call 270-444-8553.

Public Works Department:

Effective Monday, March 23, all garbage needs to be contained in the rollout. The employees will not be touching trash bags or items left beside the rollout. If you have excess garbage, please call 270-444-8511 and crews will make an additional collection at no charge. Bulk items such as couches and chairs still will be collected. For commercial customers, all garbage needs to be contained in the dumpster.
Compost Facility reopened on a reduced schedule on May 5.
The Public Works Department is asking citizens to refrain from placing additional brush or limbs curbside for collection until further notice. Since the crews are not touching bags, the collection process has been significantly slowed. If you have a small amount of brush, it can be placed in the rollout.

Orders, Guidance, and Announcements from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear

To read the full list of actions taken by Kentucky and Governor Andy Beshear since the March 6 State Declaration of Emergency, visit Governor Beshear Actions.

A few of the orders, memos, and guidance are listed below.

3/7/2020: Issued an Executive Order to Prohibit Price Gouging. If anyone has information regarding possible price gouging, they should contact the Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection hotline at 888-432-9257.

3/9/2020: Issued an Executive Order to waive copays, deductibles, cost-sharing and diagnostic testing fees for private insurance and state employees.

3/10/2020: Limited visits to long-term care facilities and nursing homes, except in an end-of-life situation.

3/10/2020: Signed an Executive Order that allows pharmacists to refill prescriptions for up to 30 days.

3/10/2020: Closed all state prisons to visitors.

3/13/2020: Recommended the temporary closure of senior centers to help halt the spread of the virus for those most vulnerable. Meals will still be available at many senior centers via drive through pick-up or delivery.

3/13/2020: Announced Boards and Commissions will cancel any scheduled in-person meetings, and instead use video teleconference technology.

3/14/2020: Issued guidance to state agencies to decrease on-site staffing by at least 50 percent to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

3/16/2020: Signed an executive order to close all restaurants and bars to in-person traffic. Exceptions for drive-through, delivery, and in some instances, take out.

3/16/2020: Waived the waiting period for unemployment for people that are losing their jobs due to coronavirus, and will waive any work search requirements while the state of emergency is in effect.

3/16/2020: With the recommendation from our Secretary of State, postponed the primary elections by the 35 days allowed under state law. That means they will be moved to June 23, 2020.

3/17/2020: Signed an executive order that by 5 p.m. Wednesday March 18, all public-facing businesses that encourage public congregation or that by the nature of their service to the public cannot comply with the CDC guidelines concerning social distancing are going to have to cease their operations. These businesses must include: entertainment and recreational facilities, community and recreation centers, gyms and exercise facilities, hair salons, nail salons, spas, concert venues, theaters, and sporting event facilities.
There are some businesses that are exempt: food providers, food processors, agriculture, industrial manufacturing, feed mills, construction, trash collection, retail, groceries, consumer goods, home repair, hardware, auto repair, pharmacies, other medical facilities, biomedical, health care, post offices, insurance, banks, gas stations, laundromats, veterinary clinics and pet stores, warehousing, storage, distribution, public transportation, and hotel and commercial lodging can all remain open at this point, but must follow the CDC guidelines for social distancing. Malls are considered retail, so they are not a part of the executive order at the moment.

3/19/2020: Announced that restaurants that have an active liquor license, that are also doing food delivery or carry out, may also deliver sealed alcoholic beverages, in their original containers to customers.

3/19/2020: Issued a formal letter banning all mass gatherings. Mass gatherings include any event or convening that brings together groups of individuals, including, but not limited to, community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based or sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; conventions; fundraisers; and similar activities.

3/22/2020: Issued Executive Order that all in-person retail businesses that are not life sustaining will close effective Monday, March 23, 2020, at 8 p.m. Life-sustaining retail businesses that will stay open include grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, hardware stores, gas stations and other businesses that provide staple goods. A full list of categories of life-sustaining, in-person retail businesses is listed in the order.

3/23/2020: Gov. Beshear signed an Executive Order to cease all elective medical procedures. He previously recommended ceasing them, but additional action was necessary since some groups did not follow the original guidance.

3/25/2020: Gov. Beshear signed an Executive Order closing all non-life-sustaining businesses to in-person traffic by Thursday at 8 p.m. Businesses that can stay open still need to practice safe social distancing. The businesses that can stay open include: grocery stores, drug stores and pharmacies, banks, hardware stores, agricultural operations, gas stations, media, businesses needed for transportation, logistics, shipping, delivery and pick-up, housing, building and construction, laundry, financial services, home-based care and services, professional services, manufacturing and other businesses key to national interests or life-sustaining goods or services, and those covered under the federal critical infrastructure sector.

3/30/2020: Gov. Beshear signed an Executive Order to limit Kentuckians’ out-of-state travel and offered a 10-step plan to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

3/31/2020: Gov. Beshear signed an Executive Order allowing critical workforce sectors to rehire previously retired workers to fill key roles. The order, which last the duration of the state of emergency, applies to law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical service personnel, park rangers and corrections officers. The Governor also issued an Executive Order easing restrictions on nurses who live out of state and making it quicker to obtain a license.

4/2/2020: Gov. Beshear signed an Executive Order that expands travel restrictions where out-of-staters coming into Kentucky must quarantine for 14 days and allows governments to hire back any retiree if needed without any pension penalty. Signed an Executive Order to address the commutations of inmate population at state institutions.

4/5/2020: Kentucky Department of Public Health issued Cloth Face Mask Guidance.

4/8/2020: Gov. Beshear signed an Executive Order limiting visits to essential businesses to one adult per household in the store at a time at those businesses still open. Also signed was an Executive Order allowing pharmacists to dispense emergency refills.

4/9/2020: Gov. Beshear signed an Executive Order on Worker’s Compensation – allows for temporary disability payments to more categories of people if they are ordered to be quarantined.