Gov. Andy Beshear on Monday offered new details on guidelines for businesses and healthcare providers looking to restart safely as the state continues to fight COVID-19.
Beshear launched the Healthy at Work initiative in late April, and it sets out public health benchmarks for reopening Kentucky’s economy. These benchmarks closely follow the White House’s Guidelines for Reopening America.
What began with the phased reopening of certain healthcare services continues as other business sectors prepare to relaunch operations in Phase 1 of Healthy at Work. State leaders asked partners in the business community for proposals on how they plan to operate while keeping their customers safe, and the state has already received more than 1,000 plans. The proposals, while not required, are expected to include best practices to safely operate and each industry’s capabilities for reopening.
Under the schedule outlined by Beshear, more businesses will be allowed to open May 11 with new minimum requirements, as well as industry-specific requirements. Among the businesses that will be allowed to operate (with links to their specific requirements):
- Manufacturing, distribution and supply chain businesses
- Construction
- Vehicle or vessel dealerships
- Office-based businesses (at 50% pre-pandemic capacity)
- Horse racing (no fans in attendance)
- Pet care, grooming and boarding
- Photography
As long as progress in the fight against COVID-19 is not threatened, additional business sectors will be allowed to open May 20 and May 25.
Health care reopening Phase 2
Kentucky Department for Public Health Commissioner Steven Stack said Health Care Phase 2 will begin Wednesday, as outpatient and ambulatory surgery and invasive procedures may resume.
All patients must have COVID-19 pre-procedure testing per professional association guidelines consistent with KDPH guidance. The 10 rules of reopening also apply, which includes universal masking and personal protective equipment (PPE), closed common areas, along with requirements to follow specific procedure guidance.
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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.
