From Governor Andy Beshear's Office -
Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that public health restrictions will change Monday, Dec. 14, but said the state’s virus fight depends on all Kentuckians continuing to do the right things, in particular, wearing masks, social distancing and keeping gatherings small.
He reported the state’s highest-ever number of new COVID-19 cases; however, the state’s positivity rate declined for the seventh straight day.
The Governor said: “When we talk about COVID being a fast moving train, it doesn’t just immediately turn; you have to slow it down, stop it and turn it around. We still believe that’s what we’re seeing,” he added: “We may also be seeing some of the impact from Thanksgiving in these numbers, that we could be moving in the right way, but still, Thanksgiving has a major impact. I can tell you that if we are seeing Thanksgiving’s impact, it’s a lot less than what we are seeing in some other states.”
On Dec. 14, Kentucky’s public health restrictions and recommendations will include:
All public and private middle and high schools will continue remote instruction until Jan. 4, 2021. Elementary schools can return to in-person learning once their county is out of the red zone.
Restaurants and bars can reopen at 50% capacity. Masks are required except when actively drinking or eating. Service must stop at 11 p.m.; establishments must close no later than 12 a.m.
Indoor social gatherings are recommended to have no more than eight people from a maximum of two households. There is no recommended limit on the number of people from the same household. There is no limit on outdoor social gatherings.
Gyms, fitness centers, pools and other indoor recreation facilities can operate at 50% capacity. Masks must be worn while exercising.
Venues, event spaces and theaters can reopen at 50% capacity.
Professional services can operate with up to 50% of employees working in-person; however, all employees who are able to work from home must do so.