In the wake of a large spike in coronavirus cases across the commonwealth, and models projecting higher numbers in the coming days without some type of mitigation, the governor is ordering all public and private K-12 schools to stop in-person classes after this week, and lasting for the remainder of the semester. There are some exceptions for elementary schools is non-Red Zone areas, he said.
Crittenden County has been in the Red Zone the last few days, and its school district had announced yesterday that students would be on a remote learning plan the week following Thanksgiving.
Beshear said the restaurant and bar order will last until at least Dec. 13.
The Governor said REQUIREMENTS for restaurants; bars; social gatherings; indoor fitness and recreation centers; venues and theaters; and professional services are effective at 5 p.m. Friday through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13. See the full executive order here.
There are other restrictions on weddings and funerals.
Indoor social events are limited as the holidays approach. Such gatherings can be no larger than eight people and those gatherings are restricted to families from no more than two households.
Indoor events, including theaters, funerals and weddings can have no more than 25 people per room.
The order excludes in-person worship services, for which the governor will provide recommendations Thursday.
Meanwhile, the KHSAA said today it will delay the start of high school basketball season until Jan. 4. It was suppose to begin Monday.
To help offset the financial impact on restaurants and bars, the governor also announced he is dedicating $40 million in CARES Act funding to provide qualifying entities $10,000 in relief for various expenses, with a maximum award of $20,000 per business entity. Businesses with at least 50% of their sales via drive-through will not be eligible. To focus on locally-owned businesses, publicly traded companies are not eligible to apply. Applications are scheduled to open Nov. 30 and close Dec. 18. Businesses will be required to remain in compliance with all public health orders. Applications will be processed in the order they are received, and funds will be awarded until they are exhausted. Additional details on where to apply will be forthcoming.
Top counties with the most positive cases on Wednesday were Jefferson, Fayette, Boone, Kenton, Warren and Christian. Crittenden County had one new case today and Caldwell and Lyon counties each reported a death today. Both victims were were over age 70.
