Gov. Andy Beshear announced 18 industries can increase capacity to 60 percent as the state completes its seventh straight week of declining COVID-19 cases.
The governor reported the lowest number of new COVID-19 cases since Sept. 28 and the lowest positivity rate since Oct. 18.
“Today, we have more good news than at any time in the pandemic,” Beshear said. “We’ve never seen what we are seeing now in terms of a downward trend. Previously, we had experienced only three consecutive weeks of declining cases. COVID hospitalizations, ICU admittance and those needing a ventilator have either decreased or stabilized.
“This capacity increase is an initial step where we will watch and see to ensure we don’t see a corresponding increase in cases,” Beshear added.
The following businesses can now increase capacity to 60 percent:
- indoor auctions
- barbershops/cosmetology/hair salons
- bars and restaurants
- bowling alleys
- indoor educational and cultural activities
- fitness centers
- funeral and memorial services
- government offices/agencies
- massage therapy
- movie theaters
- nail salons
- office-based businesses
- places of worship (recommendation)
- retail
- tanning salons
- tattoo parlors
- vehicle and vessel dealerships
- venues and event spaces
Beshear said he intends to increase child care capacity to regular group size on March 15 if positive trends continue.
Beshear reminded Kentuckians that individuals in Phase 1C can sign up for appointments at regional vaccination centers. To learn more about Kentucky’s 410 vaccination sites, visit vaccine.ky.gov or kycovid19.ky.gov/ky-covid-vaccine.
