Gov. Andy Beshear has reinstated numerous public safety restrictions to slow a weeks-long rush of COVID-19 in Kentucky.
The restrictions, which vary in duration from 3 to 6 weeks, affect Kentucky's schools, restaurants and other public spaces. Beshear have been hesitant to implement new orders since COVID-19 cases started to spike in September, despite daily and weekly totals regularly reaching record-breaking levels.
Beshear announced 2,753 new cases Wednesday and said Kentucky's five worst days have all are available in the last week. He then said it's “time to do this.”
“None of these decisions are easy,” Beshear said. “I let you know none of them will be popular. Its time we decide on whether we will let our fellow Kentuckians become sick and more of these die, or we're going to take a stand from the third wave of this virus. These restrictions are essential now.”
Many of the restrictions will require effect at 5 p.m. Friday and extend through Dec. 13. Private gatherings is going to be limited to two households, not exceeding eight people. Venue spaces that host events like weddings and funerals is going to be permitted to hold a maximum of 25 people per room. Gyms must reduce ability to 33%, cancel group classes and wish masks.
Bars and restaurants will close to indoor service, though carryout, delivery and outdoor seated service is going to be allowed.
“But only if the mask mandate and also the seating rules are enforced,” Beshear said. “Packed patios will result in further changes in what these venues can and cannot do.”
Jeremy Johnson, the master of the downtown Louisville bar Meta, called the governor's new restaurant and bar restrictions a “cop out” that won't slow down the spread of the virus enough. He's been advocating for any total shutdown, with no outdoor dining or takeout.
“If we’re will make a sacrifice, it ought to be a sacrifice that’s worthwhile,” Johnson said. “This is much like going and storming beaches halfway. It doesn’t really get the job done because you’ve still had a bunch of people around one another. You may still get it from people outside.”
Johnson believes these partial shutdown measures tend to be more bad for smaller businesses by looking into making them undertake down to costly mitigation efforts as he thinks the industry ought to be focused on lobbying for additional relief from the federal government.
Stacy Roof, president and CEO of the Kentucky Restaurant Association, seemed to be disappointed with Beshear's announcement, mentioning what she believes is really a disproportionate impact on restaurants. Retail won't be influenced by the brand new restrictions, though Beshear said mask enforcement will be increased. Religious services will also be exempt.
“It seems like we are the only industry that was targeted today,” Roof said. “I think that whether it needs to be painful, it must be painful to not only one group. Our restaurants have already ordered food and planned schedules for this week. To consider them from commission on the weekend, that is obviously their most lucrative chance to make any revenue, that hurts.”
Roof said smaller or even more upscale sit-down restaurants will struggle probably the most. She fears the restrictions will extend past the timeline currently in position, that could cut into potential holiday sales bumps.
To assist affected restaurants and bars, Beshear announced a $40 million relief fund. The ones that qualify will receive $10,000 to pay various costs. Businesses that receive 50% or more in sales from drive-thru service, as well as those that belong to publicly-traded entities, are not eligible.
But neither Johnson nor Roof believe the $10,000 is going to be enough, particularly with so many already struggling financially.
“To be fair, that fund is one thing we have been asking for for months,” Roof said. “I'm happy which has been established. But a great weekend night can be $10,000 in sales, easily.”
Kentucky schools will shift to virtual learning starting Monday. Middle and high school students will continue remote classes through a minimum of Jan. 4. Elementary schools can go back to in-person schooling on Dec. 7 if they are not located in a red county.
Beshear said he expects nearly 10,000 students in grades K-12 and a pair of,000 faculty to become quarantined due to COVID-19 at the same time within the next week.
“Our teachers and administrators rightfully are very concerned because the virus continues to surge through their areas,” he said. “If we will be able to provide meaningful educational experiences, in-person especially, at the beginning of next semester, we must do something now, and we've all got to get it done at the same time.”
High school sports events and practices are also postponed until Dec. 13. College athletics continues in their current capacities, though students at public universities will attend virtual classes with the end of the season.
