On Friday, Gov. Andy Beshear discussed certain conditions that the commonwealth must meet in order to start reopening the state’s economy, while keeping Kentuckians safe from the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).
The steps announced by Beshear on Friday reflect federal guidance announced last Thursday by the White House.
Gov. Beshear said that the state’s seven benchmarks to be assessed will determine the phases for reopening parts of the economy. Those sever Benchmark criteria for Kentucky to move to the first stage are as follows:
14 days where cases are decreasing
Increased testing capacity and contact tracing
Personal protective equipment (PPE) availability
Ability to protect at-risk populations
Ability to social distance and follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on large gatherings
Preparedness for possible future spike
Status of vaccine and treatment
Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Department for Public Health said that Individuals should continue to practice good hygiene, people who feel sick should stay home, all vulnerable individuals should continue to shelter in place, and all individuals, when in public, should maximize physical distance from others.
Further, public health officials say all individuals should avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, unless precautionary measures can be strictly observed and minimize non-essential travel.
