FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – Gov. Andy Beshear gave a tentative timetable on when restaurants, gyms, campgrounds and childcare centers may reopen, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Beshear warned that a surge in coronavirus cases could affect the schedule and put things on pause.
The governor announced there were 208 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 6,129. While most of the cases and especially the deaths due to the virus were in older Kentuckians, especially those with heart, kidney, lung or other health issues, Thursday’s cases included several teenagers and even a 3-year-old.
There were also 11 more deaths, eight of which occurred at long-term care facilities, making it 294 since the pandemic began. Of the deaths, five occurred in Edmonson County, two in Butler County, and one each in Grayson, Hardin, Jefferson, and Warren counties.
- Restaurants: While the governor was pointing toward June for reopening restaurants earlier this week, moving it to May 22 will allow them to be open for Memorial Day weekend. To start Healthy at Work phase 2, restaurants will be able to reopen to limited inside capacity on May 22.
- Movie Theaters and fitness centers: The next reopening comes June 1, which will include movie theatres and fitness centers.
- Campgrounds: On June 11, campgrounds, both public and private, will be able to reopen. “
- Childcare: June 15 is his goal to have a safe plan for childcare.
Beshear also announced the coronavirus testing program will be greatly expanded as First Care Clinics can now provide COVID-19 tests at 13 locations across the state, seven days a week, at no cost to employees or their employers.
Find out more about testing locations and other information on Kentucky’s response to the coronavirus at kycovid19.ky.gov or calling (800) 722-5725.