On Monday, Gov. Andy Beshear issued new coronavirus guidelines for the 55 Kentucky counties currently in the “red,” indicating a “critical” spread of the virus, according to the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH).
“Every Kentuckian in a ‘red zone’ county needs to work together to protect one another by following these recommendations,” Beshear said. “Now is not the time to give up – this is a time when more people are going to be at risk. It is a time when we need everyone to do better.”
“Red zone” counties are those with 25 or more average daily cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 residents.
Currently, bordering and nearby counties in the “red zone” are Hart (78.8 cases per 100,000), Edmonson (27), Hardin (30.4), Meade (26), Hancock (31.1), and Barren (57.5). Grayson County (21.1) is an “orange county” as of Monday, indicating an “accelerated” spread of the virus, per the KDPH.
Beshear’s red zone reduction recommendations:
- Employers should allow employees to work from home when possible
- Government offices that do not provide critical services need to operate virtually
- Reduce in-person shopping; order online or pickup curbside as much as possible
- Order take-out; avoid dining in restaurants or bars
- Prioritize businesses that follow and enforce the mask mandate and other guidelines
- Reschedule, postpone or cancel public events
- Do not host or attend gatherings of any size
- Avoid non-essential activities outside your home
- Reduce overall activity and contacts, and follow existing guidance, including the 10 Steps to Defeat COVID-19
“This isn’t too much to ask to keep your neighbors and your loved ones alive,” Beshear said.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
