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With the Harlan County Courthouse being closed to the public, Harlan County Judge-Executive Dan Mosley continues to keep people informed through posts to Facebook. His most current update discussed the growing number of COVID-19 cases and continuing efforts by local, state and feral government to contain the situation.

“Today (March 19), the United States of America has seen the largest increase in COVID-19 cases from one day to the next then we have seen since this pandemic began,” Mosley said. “There are now more than 11,900 total cases in the U.S. Kentucky now has 47 confirmed cases, and two folks have died from this in our state. At this time, there have been zero confirmed cases in Harlan County.”

Mosley added many people have been faced with unemployment or had to shut down their business/restaurant because of the pandemic. He said to begin unemployment claims or to enroll for WIOA career services, call Harlan County CAA at 606-573-5335, extensions 237, 236, 241 and 233. The career JobSight locations are closed to in-person services but are providing services via telephone or online.

“The federal government has approved a measure that we hope and pray will provide assistance for this. I would encourage each small business owner that is impacted by this pandemic to track daily the financial loss you are suffering,” he said. “I don’t know what type of, or if any assistance will come, but I do know that if it does, you will have to show records, so please start tracking that type of information on a notebook or in Microsoft Excel.”

Mosley said SOAR (Shaping Our Appalachian Region) has launched a comprehensive website related to the pandemic, providing information to small business owners related to resources, resources for employees, information for families, learning resources and mental health resources. To learn more, Mosley encouraged people to visit the website: thereisafuture.org/covid19.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to comply with CDC guidelines, Portal 31 tours at Lynch will close to the public until further notice. The earliest group tour can be scheduled in advance is May 12.”

He added that, depending on the CDC’s future guidelines, this information might change.

“The Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure area has postponed the annual April Fool’s Ride scheduled for April 3-5,” Mosley said, noting the Harlan County Outdoor Recreation Board hopes to reschedule the event. “Black Mountain Thunder Zipline is closed until further notice as well to comply with social distancing guidelines.”

Mosley said the courthouse and other government entities are closed to the public, however all offices are working to assisted with the public.

“If you need information regarding services the county clerk’s office is still providing, you can contact them at 606-573-3636. If you have questions regarding payment of property taxes, call the sheriff’s office at 606-573-1313,” he said. “Both of these offices can assist you with online payment options, phone payments or provide direction on mailing payments. If you need to reach my office, the number is 606-573-2600.”

Mosley also encouraged locals to “be careful what you share on social media” and to “only share information from trusted, vetted, news sources.”

“There is no need to spread information via person or social media to create fear. That doesn’t help anyone. I’ve spent several hours diffusing rumors,” he said. “Please only share facts and truths. Also, please adhere to the guidelines being communicated. Protect yourself and the ones you love. Pray for everyone impacted by this awful pandemic. May God bless each of you and keep you healthy and safe.”

The COVID-19 pandemic is a developing story and will continue to be posted and updated as a way to keep the public informed. For more information on the virus in Kentucky, visit www.kycovid19.ky.gov.