(LEX 18) — For some Kentucky businesses, 2020 has been one obstacle after another, and Gov. Andy Beshear says he knows it's been tough.
"The challenges posed by this global health pandemic have been severe for all Kentucky families, for Lexington, for the Lexington business community," said Beshear.
During a virtual lunch with Commerce Lexington on Tuesday, Gov. Beshear told Lexington's business community that the tough restrictions he's taken are necessary. He said as long as COVID-19 is out there, the economy can't recover without an effective response to the virus.
"Every time and in every place where we have gotten a little lax, this virus has exploded," said Beshear. "That's just what it does."
That means more positive cases and deaths - as well as disruptions for businesses.
"Facilities close days for deep cleaning, whole production lines and shops shuttered by outbreaks," said Beshear. "So, let me say it plainly, anyone suggesting we can fully revive our economy without controlling the virus is offering a false choice."
Business leaders wanted to know if things will get better on December 14. That's when some current restrictions on some businesses, like restaurants, expire.
"Our anticipation is that December the 14, we hope those facilities are back at their 50% capacity, but we have to see better enforcement of the mask mandate," said Beshear.
Beshear says enforcing the mask mandate at these businesses will help keep them open.
"This thing spreads where people come together and take their masks off, and at a restaurant and [in] hospitality, you're going to do that, but outside and with people waiting before the food comes, and the rest, we really need better compliance with that."
