In his news conference on Monday, Governor Beshear said there are 87 new cases of COVID-19 in Kentucky. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 4,146.
Five new deaths were reported on Monday bringing the state’s death toll to 213. There was also an additional’ probable death’ announced Monday.
1,521 people have now recovered from the virus.
Governor Andy Beshear also announced new regulations and goals for the ‘Healthy at Work’ initiative. One of the regulations will be that all Kentuckians will have to wear a mask in public by May 11.
Gov. Beshear said people who don’t follow the guideline will not be cited, but they will be asked to put on masks. The new regulation is mandatory for businesses. The governor says businesses not masking could be grounds for temporary closure.
Gov. Andy Beshear gave new details on re-opening the state while continuing to keep Kentuckians safe from COVID-19.
“Going through this tonight, I hope gives you an idea on how we are going to gradually do this with strict compliance to guidelines, and to make sure we can do it in a smart and a safe way,” Gov. Beshear said.
Phase 2 is set to begin Wednesday, May 6. At that time, outpatient surgeries and other invasive procedures can resume, though hospital and care facilities will have to meet strict guidelines.
Phase 3 is scheduled to start Wednesday, May 13. Hospitals and care facilities can begin doing non-emergency surgeries and procedures at 50% of their pre-COVID-19-era patient volume.
Officials want the final stage, Phase 4, to being Wednesday, May 27. At that point, most of the restrictions on types of procedures and volume will be left to the facilities to determine.
Dr. Stack emphasized that this is a phased, gradual reopening of services and that any COVID-19 resurgence may require adjustment.
If you have any questions about the coronavirus in Kentucky, call the state’s COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-722-5725.
You can also find more information, including how to protect your family, by visiting Kentucky’s official COVID-19 website here.