Gov. Beshear Tightens Restrictions amid COVID-19

Statement

Gov. Andy Beshear on Wednesday tightened restrictions on businesses and banned residential evictions under a state of emergency declaration aimed at addressing the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic.

The Governor offered details about the new executive order as he warned against complacency in Kentucky's fight against the COVID-19 outbreak.

"The next two to three weeks are going to be absolutely critical in our battle against the coronavirus," Gov. Beshear said. "What you are doing is working. Your sacrifice is helpful. What we have done and the steps we are taking are helping. I am proud of what we are doing, but in these next two weeks we have to do even better."

Since the first case was detected in the commonwealth, Gov. Beshear has taken decisive action and encouraged all Kentuckians to remain Healthy at Home. Wednesday's order expands efforts to limit in-person contacts to help prevent the spread of the virus. Beginning at 8 p.m. Thursday, all non-life-sustaining businesses must close to in-person services.

Exempted businesses include grocery stores, gas stations, hardware stores and media outlets, among many others. The sale of firearms and ammunition also is exempted.

In addition, to protect Kentuckians whose livelihoods have been affected by the coronavirus response, Gov. Beshear ordered a halt to all residential evictions as long as the state of emergency remains in effect.

Dr. Steven Stack, Commissioner of the Department for Public Health, said Kentuckians are doing a lot to stop the spread of the virus, but everyone needs to do more as the state reaches a critical point in the battle.

"We are in crunch time and the next two to three weeks are critical," said Dr. Stack.

"Kentucky -- these next two weeks are about us -- about us doing everything we can to blunt the curve," Gov. Beshear said. "This is our time and we must absolutely pass this test."

Gov. Beshear said Kentucky has its first case of someone going on spring break and testing positive for COVID-19 after returning. The Governor and Dr. Stack told those who went on spring break around gatherings of other people that they should self-isolate when they return so they do not spread COVID-19.

"Don't go on spring break. You are going to put your health, the health of your family and the health of those around you at risk," Gov. Beshear said.

With the number of positive cases rising quickly across both the country and the commonwealth as more testing capabilities come online, Gov. Beshear is urging everyone to stand firm against any rollbacks or lessening of defenses.

We have been expecting this and have been preparing, the Governor said. It is also why Gov. Beshear moved aggressively from the start to put Kentucky on a path to flatten the outbreak's curve in the commonwealth and prevent our hospitals from being overwhelmed with sick patients.

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