Governor Andy Beshear announced an executive order Tuesday afternoon that requires children in K-12 schools, childcare, and Pre-K settings to wear a mask at school.
Several school districts in the state had already implemented mask mandates as students return to the classroom this month, but Russell County along with most school districts in the region previously adopted a mask-optional policy.
The executive order stays in effect for 30 days, but can be renewed after that initial 30-day period.
Beshear cited rising numbers of serious COVID cases in children. Children under the age of 12 are not eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
