LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — To combat the spread of the novel coronavirus across Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear has ordered all nonessential retail businesses to close to in-person traffic by 8 p.m. Monday.
The businesses that Beshear said are exempt of this order include: grocery stores, pharmacies, drug stores, auto repair and auto parts stores, car rental services, liquor stores, banks, veterinarians, gas stations and pet supplies stores.
"There is no need to rush to those type of stores," Beshear said. "And, please, don't rush to any of these type of stores. What that does is create a crowd that could spread the coronavirus."
Among the businesses that must close Beshear referenced directly: entertainment stores, sporting goods stores, clothing and shoe stores, book stores, jewelry stores, florists, furniture stores and auto dealers. The governor said he did not have an answer on the status of hardware stores yet but said "there are stores on the breakdown that we believe are essential, certainly, to home repairs, and we want to make sure that those stay open."
A list of Kentucky businesses that will remain open and those that have been ordered to close by Gov. Andy Beshear to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
Like restaurants around the state that have been ordered to close, nonessential retail businesses being ordered to close can still operate through methods such as delivery and curbside pickup, Beshear said.
"While (customers) can't come into the store to get something, they can order on the phone, online and be that curbside pickup," Beshear said. "There can also be delivery."
"... I know a lot of people, just like restaurants, bars and other public-facing businesses, these are your dreams," he added. "... But it's going to take this type of sacrifice and continuing to take more steps each day or every other day to do what we need to do."
The governor also mandated medical facilities to cease elective procedures beginning Monday. A new hotline was created for anyone in Kentucky to call and report businesses or individuals that are not complying with state orders. The number is 1-833-KYSAFER or 1-833-597-2337.
As of Sunday evening, Beshear said there were at least 103 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Kentucky.
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