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Hopkinsville Mayor Wendell Lynch appeared on WHOP Friday morning via telephone and discussed the impact of the ongoing pandemic on the city and how local government has responded.
Mayor Lynch says everything has been new territory for everyone, not just city government, and some may feel they overreacted—but he says they wanted to get as ahead of the problem as they could.
The city has enacted several mitigation efforts—including separating sections of the police and fire departments to allow for better social distancing.
City parks are closed to the public, with only the Greenway System, the walking trail at Tiebreaker Park and the dog park open. Mayor Lynch says it hurt them to do so, but it’s their hope to keep people healthy at home.
The city will feel the impact of the many locals who have lost their jobs in the face of COVID-19, but Mayor Lynch says they’ll tackle that problem when it gets here.
The mayor emphasized the necessity for people to stay safe at home—especially during the weekend and on Easter Sunday, although it will be difficult for many—and that if you must go out for essentials, to frequently wash your hands and maintain social distancing guidelines.