Governor Beshear gave a preview Thursday at his coronavirus briefing about plans next week to lessen restrictions on bars and restaurants. The governor says the formal announcement should come Monday.
Bars will be allowed to reopen after being shut down for two weeks. Indoor capacity for bars and restaurants is expected to be set at 50%. Beshear said bar patrons will need to be seated. “All the service and the orders need to be at a table that you come with the party that you are with. I know that’s going to be a different experience, but it’s about the only way that we think we can do it and do it safely at the moment,” said Beshear.
The governor said workers at bars and restaurants will be asked to deliver their last order at 10:00 p.m. Beshear says it’s important that house parties don’t take the place of later hours in bars. The governor added hopefully restaurants will continue to expand outdoor seating options.
Governor Beshear noted there can be multiple types of effective plans when it comes to students returning to public universities across the state. The University of Kentucky is requiring coronavirus testing for all students before August 22nd. Beshear said certain standards need to be present at all schools. “We want the temperature checks. We want the screenings. We want robust plans by each of our universities. All need testing capacity. All need to have a contract with a group. Know where to send people and be able to do large scale testing if needed,” explained Beshear.
The governor announced Thursday the mandatory mask requirement along with limiting social gatherings to ten or fewer will be re-upped for another month. Beshear reported 516 COVID-19 cases and eight additional deaths.?
If you appreciate access to this important content during this global health emergency, please help us continue to provide public service journalism and information to Central and Eastern Kentucky communities. Please make your contribution to WEKU today.
