Governor Andy Beshear Asks All Kentuckians to Wear Face Masks or Coverings by May 11
Beshear announced that masks or coverings must be worn by May 11th as Kentucky’s economic restrictions are getting lifted. The governor additionally mentioned that those who don’t abide by the new precautionary plan won’t be cited, however, businesses whose employees aren’t wearing masks may be forced to close.
“This is how, even when we are plateaued right now that we think that we will be on the decline, we can help to reduce the spread of this virus.” We’re also going to need people to wear these to the grocery store or other places that they’re going out where there are other people.”
Andy Beshear
During his Monday 5PM news briefing, Beshear discussed reopening plans and phases which will start on May 11th with follow ups every week throughout a 4 week time frame. Additionally, Beshear stressed that all Kentuckians wear face masks or coverings that do not necessarily have to be N95 or KN95 masks (unless one is in the healthcare industry.) These covers can be made from common materials such as shirts sufficing as a “new normal” for Kentuckians until a vaccine is available.
During the hearing, the governor held up a mask which was made by an inmate in a Kentucky correctional facility as he urged everyone to wear a mask in public by May 11th.
“It’s gonna seem strange and probably uncomfortable, but I want us to know that this is just another small sacrifice that we can take to make sure that we keep each other safe.”
Andy Beshear
Masks do not have to be worn when one is alone or at home, however, Beshear mentioned wearing them to the store, and to work.
“Businesses will have the option of not serving people who aren’t wearing masks. We’re going to need some enforcement on that end as well.”
Andy Beshear
Additionally, employers could be asked to conduct temperature checks on employees once a day once restrictions are lifted. The state of Kentucky is also hiring over 700 people to conduct contact tracing, while also working to increase the capacity of testing so that those with coronavirus symptoms can be tested immediately.
As of latest, Kentucky is up to 4,146 cases of COVID-19, and 213 deaths. Overall, the governor seemed hopeful in his mission to keep Kentuckians protected, and getting Kentucky back to where it needs to be.
>> See how Kentuckians are honoring lives lost to COVID-19.
CDC Recommendation Regarding the Use of Cloth Face Coverings:
In light of new data about how COVID-19 spreads, along with evidence of widespread COVID-19 illness in communities across the country, CDC recommends that people wear a cloth face covering to cover their nose and mouth in the community setting. This is to protect people around you if you are infected but do not have symptoms.
A cloth face covering should be worn whenever people are in a community setting, especially in situations where you may be near people. These settings include grocery stores and pharmacies. These face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing. Cloth face coverings are especially important to wear in public in areas of widespread COVID-19 illness.
