Taking what he called “surgical and targeted steps” to control a third surge in COVID-19 cases statewide, Governor Andy Beshear announced a series of commercial and education restrictions Wednesday.
However, he was also quick to not call the restrictions a “shutdown.”
click to download audioFive of the restrictions announced by Beshear will begin at 5 pm Friday and continue through December 13.
Restaurants and bars will be closed to indoor seating, but delivery and to-go services can be provided and outdoor seating will be allowed. The state is launching a $40 million fund to help businesses that will be impacted by this restriction.
Beshear’s Chief of Staff LaTasha Buckner said the fund will be run by the Public Protection Cabinet.
click to download audioEligible restaurants can’t be publicly traded and no more than two restaurants in a chain can receive the funding. Beshear also said restaurants that fail to abide by the seating restriction will be ineligible to receiving the one-time funding.
In addition, the governor said office spaces will be limited to 33-percent capacity and suggested people work from home if they can.
Gyms, pools, and bowling alleys will also be restricted to 33-percent capacity with no group classes allowed. Masks will also be required.
Beshear said private indoor gatherings are now limited to two households, and can’t exceed eight people.
click to download audioIndoor venues such as theaters and other interior spaces that host weddings and funerals will be limited to no more than 25 people through December 13.
Beshear also announced that all Kentucky public and private schools will end in-person instruction on Monday. High school and middle school students will remain on remote instruction until January 4, while elementary schools may reopen December 7 if their counties are not in the COVID-19 red zone.
click to download audioOn Wednesday, there were only 13 counties in the state not labeled in the red for COVID-19 case increases.
Beshear says they’re not asking hospitals to postpone elective procedures, but medical facilities are deciding on their own.
The latest restrictions come as Kentucky has seen the four highest days of COVID-19 cases in the past week.
