Democrat Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has issued new mandates to curb the spread of the coronavirus, including shutting down schools and eliminating indoor seating at restaurants, WLWT reports.
The restrictions are set to take place Friday at 5 p.m.
''Action is unpopular, but inaction is deadly,'' Beshear said. ''We have got to take action to make sure we can save lives ... and to make sure as many Kentuckians as possible see the end of this virus.''
They include:
- Limiting private gatherings to current households plus one other household and no more than eight people total.
- Limiting indoor venues, including funerals and weddings, event spaces and theaters to no more than 25 people.
- Banning indoor dining.
- Reducing occupancies in gyms, fitness centers and pools to 33%.
All public and private schools must cease in-person classes starting Monday.
Kentucky saw its fourth-highest day for new COVID-19 cases Wednesday, with 2,753. Beshear also announced 15 new deaths, bringing the state’s death toll to 1,712.
''I don’t take this lightly,'' Beshear said. ''I know this will cause some harm out there.''