Non-essential in-person retail businesses in Kentucky have been ordered closed by Monday night at 8:00 by Gov. Andy Beshear.
Beshear said at his daily coronavirus (COVID-19) press briefing that 103 Kentuckians have now been diagnosed with the virus. He added that approximately 2,000 COVID-19 tests have been administered in the state.
In his executive order closing non-essential businesses Beshear said, “All in-person retail businesses that are not life-sustaining are ordered closed effective Monday, March 23, 2020, at 8:00 p.m.”
Not included in the business shutdown, according to Beshear, are pharmacies, grocery stores, gas stations, and liquor stores. The order does include sporting goods stores, clothing stores, jewelry stores, shoe stores, department stores, furniture stores, florists, bookstores, and automobile dealerships.
The governor said non-essential retail businesses may still provide curbside pickup, phone and online orders and delivery.
(Click here for a look at the businesses allowed to stay open and those that must close.)
New cases of coronavirus have recently been diagnosed in Hardin (a 21-year-old woman), Henderson, Christian, Jefferson, and Fayette counties. Over the last 48 hours, four counties – Menifee, Madison, Breathitt, Spencer — have identified their first COVID-19 cases.
Jefferson County continues to lead the state in diagnosed coronavirus cases with 35, while Fayette County has 15 and Harrison County eight.
Beshear announced on Saturday that a third Kentuckian has died as a result of COVID-19, as a 67-year-old Anderson County man joined a 64-year-old Jefferson County man and an elderly Bourbon County man as victims of the virus.
There have been four juveniles diagnosed with the virus, and four other victims are in their 20s. Four victims are in their 30s and seven in their 40s.
The governor said social distancing is the new normal, but that it won’t last forever. He added that Kentuckians need to “take aggressive steps, be diligent and be resilient” as the commonwealth faces “the challenge of our generation.”
He additionally reassured citizens that regardless of whatever restrictions are enacted, people will always be allowed to shop for groceries, so please do not hoard food.
Paul tests positive
U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Bowling Green, announced on twitter on Sunday that he has tested positive for COVID-19. He said he is “feeling fine and is in quarantine.”
He is the first U.S. senator to test positive for the virus.
The tweet added that Paul is currently asymptomatic and was tested out of an abundance of caution. He said was not aware of any direct contact with infected persons, although he attended an event in Louisville two weeks ago where several people who also attended have tested positive for COVID-19, including Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer’s wife.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
