Hopkinsville Police Chief Clayton Sumner released this letter to the public Thursday:
“I want to start off by saying thank you to the citizens of Hopkinsville-Christian County for doing your part in helping to make sure all our loved ones make it through these unusual/uncertain times as it relates to the COVID-19 virus.
“Today, I attended a phone conference with Governor Beshear and law enforcement executives across the state of Kentucky. What we know as of right now is that the number of COVID-19 cases are very likely to increase. We also know that the best way right now to combat the spread of COVID-19 is by practicing social distancing.
“Today, the governor encouraged law enforcement across the state to start making sure that his order is being carried out statewide, specifically as it relates to social distancing. The key here is that we must have at least 6 fee of separation. Along those same lines was the recommendation of not congregating in a group of 10 or more.
“We will be talking to some of the larger grocery stores and businesses that are allowed to remain open and asking them to do their part in making sure that their customers are in compliance with the social distancing.
“I am humbly asking for the citizens of Hopkinsville-Christian County to please abide by the governor’s order. I understand these are unusual times and we all want to be emphatic to what everyone is dealing with. I would very much appreciate not having to see law enforcement put into a situation where we must enforce the governor’s order through arrest, especially when compliance is in the best interest of all residents and visitors of Christian County.
“Thank you in advance for doing your part in helping to keep all of Hopkinsville and Christian County safe!”
— Clayton Summer, Chief of Police
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation's board.
