Beshear outlines Kentucky’s Phase 1 reopening beginning May 11

Kentucky will begin its Phase 1 reopening starting May 11, according to a press conference from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.

May 11 Phase 1 reopenings will include construction, manufacturing, vehicle/vessel dealerships, professional services with 50 percent of employees, horse racing without fans, pet boarding and dog grooming. 

Phase 1 reopening will continue on May 20 with retail and houses of worship. Beshear said these openings would be subject to social distancing and cleaning processes with no spike in COVID-19 cases. 

On May 25, 10 person social gatherings, barbers, salons, cosmetology businesses and similar services will be permitted to reopen under Phase 1. 

Restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theatres, daycares and youth sports do not fall under the commonwealth’s Phase 1 reopening.

Beshear also introduced 10 rules to reopening as part of the #HealthyatWork initiative:

• Continue telework where possible
• Phased return to work
• Onsite temperature/health checks
• Universal masks and other necessary PPE
• Close common areas (break rooms, cafeterias, waiting rooms, etc.)
• Enforce social distancing
• Limit face-to-face meetings
• Sanitizer/hand wash stations
• Special accommodations
• Testing plan

Beshear urged employers to monitor and enforce social distancing and the importance of having a testing plan. 

Additionally, Beshear also went over 10 steps Kentuckians should follow to continue fighting COVID-19:

• Stay Healthy at Home
• Avoid crowds and gatherings
• Practice social distancing
• Know when to seek care
• Stay up to date at kycovid19.ky.gov
• Wash hands and surfaces
• Apply for benefits
• Prioritize mental health
• Do not travel
• Report non-compliance

Beshear also stressed that Kentuckians should complete the United States Census form to help ensure that Kentucky receives its portion of federal dollars. 

Beshear added that the prohibition on evictions will last at least through May, with the possibility of it lasting longer.Louisville, Lexington and Bowling Green will have their second week of drive-thru Kroger testing next week, with Ashland having its first. For information on testing sites in Kentucky, go to krogerhealth.com/covidtesting.