Kentucky will return to 100% capacity for all venues and events on June 11. The mask mandate will also be eliminated for all Kentuckians that day, with exceptions where people are the most vulnerable. Gov. Andy Beshear made the announcement Friday morning.
In addition to setting the June 11 date for lifting all capacity restrictions, Beshear said the commonwealth would immediately follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation that fully vaccinated Kentuckians no longer need to wear a mask in most places. Click here to read the updated facial covering requirements.
“Life will be almost fully back to normal,” Beshear said of June 11.
Beshear said the proven effectiveness of vaccinations and expanded vaccine eligibility to include 12- to 15-year-olds is allowing the commonwealth to safely and sustainably ease restrictions.
With about 1.9 million Kentuckians vaccinated and more than half a million doses of COVID-19 vaccines available statewide, he said everyone who is eligible should be able to get a dose ahead of June 11.
“Let’s be clear, a return to full capacity could raise the risk of exposure to those not vaccinated,” Beshear said. “The solution is to get your vaccine.”
The Governor said a review of COVID-19 data from the period when many Kentuckians were vaccinated, this March and April, proves the effectiveness of vaccines. Over the two months, total cases declined 18%; hospitalizations declined 19% and deaths declined 48%.
On May 28, all events and businesses with 1,000 or fewer people present can increase to 75% capacity. In addition, starting May 28, indoor and outdoor events with more than 1,000 people can be held at 75% capacity.
