FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — In addition to Phase I of reopening the economy in Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear announced other businesses that can begin to reopen on the following dates:
May 11th
-Manufacturing
-Construction
-Vehicle or Vessel Dealerships
-Professional Services (50%)
-Horse Racing (No Fans)
-Dog Grooming/Boarding
May 20th
-Retail
-Houses of Worship
May 25th
-10 Person Social Gatherings (While Social Distancing)
-Barbers, salons, cosmetology businesses, and similar services
"This is an opportunity to potentially get there," said Beshear. "We want you to know we think this is possible, but it's all contingent on all of us doing this right and making sure we don't see a spike in the virus."
"But there is at least a light I hope you see at the end of the tunnel where we can get together a little more," Beshear added.
Restaurant businesses were discussed as well, which are not included in Phase I, and Governor Beshear said it's tricky when it comes to the decision of reopening them.
"It's hard to have a mask on when you eat. I know it's hard on the restaurant end based on really limited capacity and the margins that they have to make that work," said Beshear. "We want to work with you in the industry to try and figure out how to do this and how to do it safely."
Governor Beshear added that the following businesses and activities will also not be available in Phase I, but can open in Phase II of Healthy at Work if the numbers are right:
-Gyms
-Movie Theaters
-Campgrounds
-Youth Sports
"We hope in the summer, and we don't know if it will be June or early July, but we hope that we will be able to do some youth sports," said Beshear. "Again, it depends on how the virus reacts."
He also said that public pools and summer camps will not be available to open until Phase I or Phase II.
"The ability, even when we'll be able to expand groups to get together in size, public pools will never be able to contain that to the size we need," said Beshear. "I know people look forward to it, I know it's important in the summer, but that's going to spread the coronavirus and it would prevent use from doing all of [Phase I]."
Governor Beshear also announced 184 new COVID-19 cases and 10 new deaths on Wednesday.
That brings the total number to 4,539 COVID-19 cases and 235 coronavirus-related deaths in the state of Kentucky.
Of the 4,539 cases, there have been 1,668 recoveries.
