The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) has taken several actions to contain the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles has announced.

“As Kentucky and the nation work to contain the spread of coronavirus, I am announcing steps the Kentucky Department of Agriculture has taken to ensure the public health of our employees and their families,” Commissioner Quarles said. “Additionally, I am urging the federal government to protect flexibility for school meals during this time and I have communicated with regulated industries to practice good hygiene and disinfect surfaces regularly.”

The actions taken by the Department include:

*Commissioner Quarles visited today with Harrison County Public Schools and assisted in distributing meals to students affected by school closures due to the coronavirus outbreak. He sent a letter this afternoon to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue requesting flexibility for school districts serving meals to ensure Kentucky students have access to meals amid the coronavirus outbreak.

*Quarles sent letters to the Kentucky Retail Federation and the Kentucky Petroleum Marketers Association, two trade associations that represent industries regulated by the KDA, urging them to practice good hygiene and to share educational resources with their members.

*He sent a letter to KDA employees urging them to practice good hygiene, exercise social distancing, and to comply with the Personnel Cabinet’s guidance regarding the coronavirus outbreak.

“The Kentucky Department of Agriculture continues to monitor the coronavirus and its potential impact on the Commonwealth’s agricultural sector,” Commissioner Quarles said. “I urge all Kentuckians to exercise good hygiene and to keep up-to-date with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services at kycovid19.ky.gov.”