NOTE: See Kentucky Open Dates for the latest information.
UPDATED: March 25, 2020
COVID-19 UPDATE: Executive Order by Governor Beshear
Governor Andy Beshear issued an Executive Order stating that all non-life sustaining businesses were to cease operations by Thursday, March 26, 2020 by 8:00 pm.
Here is a list of stores and services that can remain open, per Beshear’s order:
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants (for carry out and delivery services, no dining room service)
- Drug stores
- Pharmacies
- Meat, fish/seafood, fruit and vegetable markets
- Beer, wine and liquor stores
- Banks (most are using drive-through services only)
- Agriculture
- Gas stations and convenience stores
- Pet and pet supplies stores
- Hardware stores and businesses that sell electrical, heating and plumbing material
- Stores that supply first respondents and other “critical government and healthcare workers”
- Manufacturing plants, distributors and supply companies for “critical products and industries”
- Charitable and social services organizations
- Logistics centers
- Delivery and pick-up
- Federal critical infrastructure
- Media
- Transportation
- Automotive parts, repair, accessories and tire stores
- Auto, truck and van rental
- Financial services
- Housing, building and construction
- Mail, post offices and shipping
- Laundry services
- Home-based care
- Professional services
- Hotels and motels
- Critical labor union functions, including the administration of health and welfare funds
- Funeral services, subject to restrictions on mass gatherings and social distancing
For The Latest Information Regarding The Coronavirus visit kycovid19.ky.gov
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 17, 2020) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced additional steps to contain and limit the spread of the novel coronavirus in Kentucky (COVID-19).
Gov. Beshear’s new actions include:
Tuesday afternoon, Gov. Beshear issued an executive order outlining specific steps all public-facing businesses should take regarding closures, which include:
By 5:00 p.m. on March 18, 2020, all public-facing businesses that encourage public congregation or, that by the nature of the service to the public, cannot comply with CDC guidelines concerning social distancing, shall cease all in-person operations.
These public-facing businesses that must close include entertainment, hospitality and recreational facilities, community and recreation centers, gyms and exercise facilities, hair salons, nail salons, spas, concert venues, theaters, and sporting event facilities.
Those businesses providing food, food processing, agriculture, industrial manufacturing, feed mills, construction, trash collection, retail, grocery and consumer goods, home repair/hardware and auto repair, pharmacy, and other medical facilities, biomedical and healthcare, post offices, insurance, banks, gas stations, laundromats, veterinary clinics and pet stores, warehousing, storage, and distribution, public transportation, and hotel and commercial lodging may remain open, subject to limitations provided in prior orders, but must to the extent practicable implement Centers for Disease Control guidance, including:
maintaining a distance of 6 feet between persons;
ensuring employees practice appropriate hygiene measures, including regular, thorough handwashing;
ensuring that employees who are sick remain home; and
regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Gov. Beshear said the overriding goal of the order is to minimize in-person interaction, which is the primary means of transmission of COVID-19. The immediate implementation of the order is necessary as patrons of public-facing businesses gather in large numbers, in close proximity to each other and in enclosed spaces, endangering the health of customers and staff.
“For those out there trying to find an exception, if you’re not truly engaging in social distancing, if you are not taking those steps, it will force further action,” Gov. Beshear said. “Not that we want to take it, but we have to protect everybody. It’s all of our duties. Look for ways to be a part of the solution as opposed to being an exception to what we’re putting out there.”
Child Care
Gov. Beshear said the state is working with federal partners to continue Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) payments on behalf of qualified families during the mandatory closure period. The state will also be covering copayments typically covered by families.
Acute and Psychiatric Care Visitation
To limit the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Beshear advised all acute care facilities to discourage all visitors except for end-of-life circumstances. He also advised psychiatric facilities to restrict visitation, only allowing it if deemed medically necessary by the attending physician, administrator and the medical director.
Long Term Care Visitation
Gov. Beshear also recommended personal care homes, assisted living, senior care facilities and intermediate care facilities limit visitation only to loved ones that are receiving end-of-life care.
Adult Day Health Centers
To slow the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Beshear issued interim guidance to require the temporary closure of all licensed adult day care centers across the state. This emergency closure will begin on March 20.
Closure of in-person government services
As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, all government offices are closed to in-person services.
“We are having to take some tough steps, but it’s absolutely necessary,” Gov. Beshear said. “We are going to take them. We are going to get through it. We are going to restock, rebuild, whatever it takes to get back to where we were.”
Other actions by Gov. Beshear
Gov. Beshear has continued to take decisive action since the first case was confirmed in Kentucky. To read the full list of actions Gov. Beshear has taken to protect Kentuckians and limit the spread of the coronavirus, visit governor.ky.gov/covid19.
More information
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages people to follow these steps to prevent illness. Kentuckians can find regular updates and resources including more information about when to seek medical attention and courses of action for those in counties with positive cases at kycovid19.ky.gov. They are also urged to visit cdc.gov/coronavirus for up-to-date information. Kentuckians who want advice can call the state hotline at 1.800.722.5725 or call their local health care provider.
To read Gov. Beshear’s news releases and watch other news regarding COVID-19 visit governor.ky.gov.
Livingston County, Kentucky COVID-19
We will continue to post updates as received. Find additional information on our Calendar Page, Dining Page, and Attractions Page.