Kentucky to shut down indoor dining amid new restrictions

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) on Wednesday announced a new set of coronavirus restrictions that are set to go into effect later this week as the state battles an increase in cases.

Beshear said that bars and restaurants will be closed for indoor dining starting 5 p.m. Friday, adding they will be allowed to provide delivery and carryout as well as offer outdoor dining.

Indoor social gatherings will also be limited to two households, or up to eight people. Indoor events such as weddings and funerals will be limited to no more than 25 people per room, with the exception of worship services. 

Gyms, fitness centers and pools will be allowed to operate at 33 percent capacity under the guidelines outlined Wednesday, with masks required. Group classes are prohibited. 

In addition, professional services and office-based businesses are encouraged to close to the public, and should only have 33 percent of their employees in the building if they have to open, Beshear said.

The restrictions are slated to stay in place through Dec. 13.

In addition, all K-12 schools will switch to remote learning beginning Nov. 23. Elementary schools will be allowed to reopen on Dec. 7 based on the rate of transmission in their counties and provided they follow public health guidance. Middle schools and high schools will remain in remote learning until Jan. 4. 

Beshear acknowledged in a press conference that the restrictions were “significant” but characterized them as “surgical and targeted steps designed to slow the virus and protect our people.” 

Kentucky reported 2,753 new cases of COVID-19 and 15 new deaths Wednesday. The state has seen 144,753 cases since the pandemic began. 

To provide some relief for impacted businesses, Beshar announced a $40 million fund to assist restaurants and bars. Qualifying restaurants will receive up to $10,000 to offset costs associated with closures.

The restrictions come as COVID-19 cases across the U.S. surge ahead of the winter months. Several states, including New York, Ohio and Iowa, have imposed new restrictions to limit the the spread of the virus.

More than 11 million people have contracted the virus since the pandemic began, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. More than 250,000 have died.