KY Governor Andy Beshear Orders All Public Facing Businesses to Close

Exempt businesses include those that provide essential services, such as grocery stores, gas stations, laundromats, etc.

File Photo

(Frankfort, Ky.) - Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has stated that all hair salons, gyms, theaters, and other public-facing businesses must close by 5:00 p.m. today March 18 to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Exempt businesses include those that provide essential services, such as grocery stores, gas stations, laundromats, vet clinics, hotels, food processors, auto and home repair businesses, post offices, warehousing and distribution, and pharmacies. Those businesses can stay open, Beshear said, but they must practice social distancing. 

The governor also stated that all child care facilities must close by Friday, March 20 by 6:00 p.m. allowing parents enough time to find proper child care. 

Also, any businesses that encourage the public congregation, or which by the nature of their service cannot comply with social distancing, must cease their operations by 5:00 p.m. today. 

The state has now seen two more positive cases of COVID-19 bringing the state total to 27, with one death reported in the state.