Schools to be virtual through the end of the year, no indoor dining, strict limits on events and more in Beshear’s new COVID-19 mandates

Beginning Friday, November 20 at 5 PM EST, there will be major changes across Kentucky as Gov. Andy Beshear announced new mandates to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Among the biggest changes (most of which have a mandate from Friday, November 20 through Sunday, December 13):

• Restaurants and bars will be closed for indoor dining services (can still do outdoor dining, delivery and to go)
• All middle and high schools and all universities (public AND private) will be required to be virtual through the end of the year beginning November 23^rd
  • Elementary schools may reopen December 7 if their county is not in the red zone and the school follows all Healthy at Schools guidance
• Event spaces are limited to 25 people per room-including conferences, events, weddings, funerals, etc. (excludes in-person worship services, for which the Governor will provide recommendations Thursday)
• Gyms/pools/fitness/indoor recreation- reduced again to 33% capacity and cannot hold group classes, team practices or competition
• Social gatherings should consist of no more than eight people from two families (your household and one other)
• Professional services encouraged to work from home and if there are people in the office it should be back down to 33% capacity

There will be no changes to:

• Childcare
• Hospitals
• Manufacturing
• Barbers/cosmetologists
• Retail (but must enforce mask mandate)

Because these closures will again negatively impact the service industry, Beshear said the state will be providing a $10,000 stipend to bars and restaurants through a $40 million fund they will make available 12/1.

These changes come after the Kentucky Supreme Court recently ruled in Beshear’s favor in a case challenging his executive order power.

On Wednesday, Beshear said these mandates represent the state’s 3^rd “counter attack against the virus” and strongly stated “this is not and there will not be a shut down.” Instead, he said, the changes are targeted steps to stop the spread and added they are designed to cause the least amount of disruption possible.