Governor Andy Beshear says Kentuckians will be required to wear face masks or coverings in public places started today (Friday, July 10, 2020). The decision comes after Kentucky recorded two of the highest days of daily COVID-19 cases since the pandemic hit the state. Kentucky reported 333 newly reported cases and four deaths yesterday. Beshear says the increased case counts from the last few days along with a sharp rise in neighboring states prompted him to issue the executive order that is in effect for the next 30 days.

Here is a full list of where Kentuckians will be required to wear a mask:

• While inside or waiting in line to enter:
• Retail stores
• Grocery stores
• Pharmacies
• Hair salons/barbershops
• Nail salons/spas
• tattoo parlors
• child care facilities
• restaurants or bars (when not seated and eating or drinking)
• Health care settings
• Any other indoor public space when it is difficult to maintain a physical distance of six feet from others
• While waiting for or riding on public transportation or paratransit or while riding in a taxi, private car service or ride-sharing car. Or driving any of the above while customers are present
• While in outdoor public spaces in which the person cannot maintain a physical distance of six feet

The following are exempt from wearing a mask:

• Children who are five years old and younger
• Any person who is hearing impaired or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential to communicate
• Any person engaged in work that a state or federal regulator has concluded would make wearing a face mask covering a risk to their health or safety
• Any person who is seated and activity consuming food or a beverage at a restaurant or bar
• Any person who is obtaining a service that requires temporary removal of the face-covering in order to perform the service
• Any person who is required to temporarily remove their face covering to confirm their identity or for security or screening purposes
• Any person who is giving a speech or broadcast to an audience and is able to maintain a safe distance of six feet
• Any person who is in a swimming pool, lake or any body of water
• Any person who is actively engaged in exercise in a gym or indoor facility so long as six or more feet of separation
• Any person who is actively participating in athletic practice, scrimmage or competition that is permitted under separate Healthy at Work requirements
• Any person who is engaged in a lawful activity where federal or state law prohibits wearing a face covering