“It is an effort to protect Kentuckians from the rising spread of the coronavirus across the state.” That is how Governor Andy Beshear describes his latest Executive Order that all Kentuckians must wear face coverings in many public situations if the state is going to stop the increase of COVID-19 cases and continue to reopen the economy safely.
Beshear said he was relying on health experts, who say wearing face coverings not only protects others, it also lowers the infection risk for those wearing masks by 65%. So far, 22 states have implemented some sort of order mandating face coverings, although details vary.
Beshear’s new executive order requires Kentuckians to wear face coverings under several circumstances for the next 30 days.
The executive order states that face coverings will be required in the following situations:
• “While inside, or waiting in line to enter, any: retail establishment; grocery store; pharmacy; hair salon/barbershop; nail salon/spa; tattoo parlor; child care facility; restaurant or bar (when not seated and consuming food or beverage); health care setting, or; any other indoor public space in which it is difficult to maintain a physical distance of at least six feet from all individuals who are not members of that person’s household;
• “While waiting for or riding on public transportation or paratransit, or while riding in a taxi, private car service, or ride-sharing vehicle, or driving any of the above while customers are present; or
• “While in outdoor public spaces in which the person cannot maintain a physical distance of six feet from all individuals who are not members of the person’s household and is not otherwise covered by previously issued guidance.”
The order will be evaluated during that time to determine any additional steps or extension.
