Governor Andy Beshear announced Thursday afternoon his intentions to extend the statewide mask mandate another 30 days.
Beshear says since he made it mandatory to wear masks more people are wearing them.
In comparing cases Monday through Thursday to the same time period last week, Beshear says the number of confirmed cases is down by nearly 250. The mask mandate will now be in effect through at least Wednesday, September 9.
Beshear also announced the limit on social gatherings of ten or fewer will be extended but did not say how long it will now be effective.
An announcement is also expected Monday concerning restaurant capacity and the reopening of bars. The state is expected to raise the indoor restaurant capacity back to 50% and bars can expect a forced seat rule. Beshear says a curfew of 10:00 PM could be set for bars and restaurants who serve people inside the business.
In other announcements Thursday, the governor adds the Kentucky State Fair will now be limited to participants only.
He says that means there will be no lot A exhibits, midway concerts, entertainment, or food vendors.
Kentucky State Fair Board Chair Steve Wilson adds the guidelines for those participating in the agricultural events can be found on their website.
The Commonwealth confirmed 516 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, raising the total case number to 33,254 since March 6. Of the current cases, 701 people remain hospitalized and 140 in the ICU. The state’s positivity rate remained the same at 5.51%.
Eight new deaths were confirmed, with the death toll now sitting at 760. The death number does not include the 93-year old male from Christian County that was reported Thursday morning by the Christian County Health Department.
