Kentucky COVID-19 Resources

Kentucky COVID-19 Resources

The coronavirus or COVID-19 has swept across the United States. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have been infected with the virus, and tens of thousands have died. To stop the rapid spread of the virus, governors across the country have shut down all activity except that which is considered “essential.” Understandably, this has caused major disruption for many individuals, families and small business owners.

At Hessig & Pohl we want to help you and your family through the uncertainties and challenges brought about during unprecedented time. Along those lines, we have assembled a list of COVID-19 resources for those who are doing their best to deal with the crisis but need some extra guidance or help.

All links to the list of resources below are active and updated frequently by the agencies maintaining them.

What Is COVID-19

How COVID-19 Spreads

COVID-19 is a virus which spread through close contact. Droplets from an infected person who sneezes or coughs will cause infection. COVID-19 can also spread when someone touches an infected surface and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.

What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms of the disease are similar to the flu, and include a dry cough, low-grade fever and difficulty breathing.

Who Is Most at Risk?

According to health experts, most who contract the novel coronavirus will recover. However, regardless of age or health condition, anyone who gets COVID-19 may need to be hospitalized. The disease presents an increased risk for those over 60 years of age, those who are immunocompromised, and those individuals with certain pre-existing health conditions, including:

  • Asthma
  • HIV
  • Serious heart conditions
  • Chronic lung conditions
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Liver disease
  • Kidney disease

How to Stay Safe?

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that everyone:

  • Stay at home and self-isolate if they are feeling unwell;
  • Cover their nose and mouth with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing;
  • Wash their hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with liquid soap and water;
  • Follow social distancing protocol by avoiding close contact (within six feet) with those who may have the virus; and
  • Wear a mask to prevent the spread of the virus, even if you do not have symptoms.

Learn More about COVID-19

The COVID-19 crisis evolves daily, and so do the suggestions on how to best mitigate against its spread. To stay on top of all updates, occasionally visit the following links:

Kentucky Resources

See the Actions Taken by Kentucky Governor

See a timeline of Gov. Andy Beshear’s actions in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Visit: https://governor.ky.gov/covid-19

COVID-19 Hotline

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. You can call (800) 722-5725.

Drive-Thru Testing Locations

Find out the nearest locations to get tested here.

Unemployment

If you lost a job as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, you can learn more at: https://kcc.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Apply for Medicaid

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.

Learn more at: Kentucky Medicaid COVID – 19 Information

Resources for Families

There are over 800 food pantries in Kentucky that are available to those who need support. Use the map found here to find the nearest food pantry to your location.

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.

Kentucky Courts

Due to COVID-19, the Supreme Court issued an order closing all state court judicial facilities to in-person services from April 1 to May 31, 2020.

You can learn more about Kentucky court operations here.

National COVID-19 Approval

Guidelines Set by the CDC for Communities, Schools and Workplaces

Find out about community mitigation strategies – actions that individuals, businesses, health departments, and community settings (such as schools) can take to slow the spread of COVID-19. You can learn more at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html

Guidelines Set by the FDA

The Food and Drug Administration set up a webpage discussing best practices for food-service establishments, including restaurants and delivery services.

Other Government Resource Help

Here is a list of best practices for the following industries:

Important IRS Information

Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments

The IRS is offering tax help for taxpayers, businesses, tax-exempt organizations and others – including health plans – affected by COVID-19. Payments have already started to go out, do not call, and most people do not need to take any action. To read the Families First Coronavirus Response Act in its entirety see here.

Stimulus Check Information

Get My Payment Stimulus Check

Small and midsize employers can take advantage of two new refundable payroll tax credits, designed to immediately and fully reimburse them, dollar-for-dollar, for the cost of providing Coronavirus-related leave to their employees. This relief to employees and small and midsize businesses is provided under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Act), March 18, 2020.

Paid Leave

The Employee Retention Credit is a refundable tax credit against certain employment taxes equal to 50% of the qualified wages an eligible employer pays to employees after March 12, 2020, and before January 1, 2021. You can get immediate access to the credit by reducing the employment tax deposits you are otherwise required to make. Also, if your employment tax deposits are not sufficient to cover the credit, you may get an advance payment from the IRS.

Tax Relief for Businesses

Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources

Small businesses are facing an unprecedented economic disruption due to the COVID-19 outbreak. On Friday, March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was signed, which contains $376 billion in relief for American workers and small businesses. Find out about your options here.

Student Loans

To provide relief to student loan borrowers during the COVID-19 national emergency, federal student loan borrowers are automatically being placed in an administrative forbearance, which allows you to temporarily stop making your monthly loan payment. This suspension of payments will last until Sept. 30, 2020, but you can still make payments if you choose. Learn more here.

About Loan Servicers

A loan servicer is a company assigned to handle the billing and other services on federal student loans at no cost to you. A loan servicer works with you on repayment options (such as income-driven repayment plans and loan consolidation) and assists with other tasks related to federal student loans. 

Keep your contact information up to date so your loan servicer can help you stay on track with repaying your loans. If your circumstances change at any time during your repayment period, your loan servicer will be able to help. Find out more here.

We Want to Help in Any Way We Can

At Hessig & Pohl we want to help you and your family through the COVID-19 crisis. As Kentucky personal injury lawyers, we are happy to do everything we can. We may be able to help you pursue a claim for compensation. Give us a call to discuss whatever issue you are dealing with. We represent clients across Kentucky in personal injury and workers’ compensation matters. To learn more, call (502) 777-1111.

Marty fought for me when the insurance company denied my claim. We sued and got the insurance limits.

- JERAMY

Louisville personal injury lawyer