As was expected with the rise in cases around the Commonwealth, Governor Andy Beshear announced yesterday a new executive order mandating that masks be worn in public. All residents will have to wear their masks in public when social distancing is not possible.
“It’s no longer voluntary, it’s mandatory,” Beshear stated Thursday evening, “And I’m willing to take whatever criticism comes.”
Beshear noted in his press conference that the new mandate was, in part, to help keep the economy open. Kentucky now joins several other states that require residents to wear masks in public, joining neighboring states Illinois, West Virginia, and Virginia.
There are exceptions to the order, including children under the age of 5, those with disabilities, and physical or mental impairments. The entire executive order is scheduled to go into effect this evening at 5 p.m., and can be found on our website.
