Gov. Andy Beshear said all “non-life-sustaining businesses” must close to in-person traffic by 7 p.m. CST Thursday.
Beshear said a full list will be released Wednesday with specific details about which businesses will be impacted, but emphasized that grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, banks and other critical businesses will remain open. (We’ll publish the list as soon as it becomes available.)
However, those that can stay open must practice social distancing recommendations.
Curbside pickup and delivery is still allowable for any business that is capable of doing so in the absence of in-person service. Restaurants can continue to operate under their current restrictions.
Beshear said all businesses should allow employees to work from home as much as possible.
“This thing is ramping up like we knew that it would and we have to be ready to protect our citizens,” Beshear said of the increasing effects of COVID-19. “Please know that it is just the next step we need to take.”
Beshear said the order to close businesses will last for at least 10 days and can be renewed. While he doesn’t expect to be able to ease restrictions after 10 days, it gives his administration a specific period of time during which they can re-evaluate the situation.
“I don’t want anybody out there to think in 10 days we will be able to ease restrictions,” Beshear said, saying that is unlikely. “There will be a light at the end of the tunnel, even though we don’t know how far away.”
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The Owensboro Health coronavirus hotline is available 24/7 by calling 877-888-6647. Call the hotline before seeking in-person care. More information from OH can be found here.
For the latest information and data on COVID-19 in Kentucky visit kycovid19.ky.gov or dial the Kentucky state hotline at 800-722-5725.
For the latest health guidelines and resources from the CDC, visit their website here.
