State measures enacted to address coronavirus and flatten the curve

Over the last week, many measures have been announced by Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear to ensure the safety of all Kentuckians and stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Below is an up-to-date list of policies that have been implemented at the statewide level to address the coronavirus:

Restaurants and bars across the state will be closed to in-person service and will instead focus on restaurant drive-thru and delivery service.

Steps are being taken to waive the waiting period for unemployment benefits for those who are losing their jobs because of COVID-19 and any work search requirements will also be waived while the state of emergency is in effect.

The governor has issued an executive order to waive copays, deductibles, cost-sharing and diagnostic testing fees for private insurance and state employees. The order also asks providers to expand their networks to patients that may go outside their normal providers.

Those without insurance will be able to receive testing in Kentucky.

Pharmacies will be allowed to refill prescriptions for up to 30 days to ensure those vulnerable communities or those who need to self-isolate will have their needed prescriptions.

Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance (KEMI) will provide wage replacement benefits for first responders and medical personnel who have been quarantined for COVID-19.

Strong precautions are being taken to protect the state’s most vulnerable populations by limiting visitation to senior care and long-term care facilities.

Schools across Kentucky have announced closures, and it is being recommended that childcare centers create plans to be able to close within 72 hours.

It has been recommended businesses utilize telecommuting and allow employees to work from home if possible and Kentuckians have been advised to cancel all community gatherings.

Stay tuned to The Bottom Line for more updates on executive orders and public announcements dealing with the pandemic.