Lancaster, KY (April 30, 2020) — Last night, Governor Beshear announced a time table for additional Phase 1 reopening throughout the state of Kentucky. Garrard County Judge-Executive John Wilson highlighted some of that information provided by the governor last night and what kind of impact that would have on businesses in Garrard County.

All of these openings are predicated on the following the CDC guidelines for social distancing, hygiene and sanitation.

According to Wilson, here are the areas of our economy impacted and the dates suggested last night:
• Starting May 11, some non-essential businesses will be allowed to reopen, including manufacturing, construction, professional services at 50 percent capacity; car and boat dealerships; pet grooming and boarding, and horse racing without fans.
• On May 20, “provided the virus is where he thinks it’s going to be at that stage,” in-person worship services may be able to start again at reduced capacity, as will non-essential retail businesses.
• If there’s no evidence of a spike of cases, on May 25, people will be able to gather in groups of 10 or fewer, he said. Barber shops, salons, and cosmetology businesses would also be given the go ahead to reopen.

Wilson added that the following businesses and activities will not be available in Phase I, but can open in Phase II in June if the numbers don’t surge according to the governor’s current plan:
• In-person dining at restaurants
• Gyms
• Movie theaters
• Campgrounds
• Youth sports
• Public pools
• Daycares And summer camps

“I know that many of you question the logic behind why certain businesses are more restricted than others, and I have many of those same questions and frustrations myself,” Wilson said. “I really wish I had better answers for you, or, better yet, a solution to the issues our Governor is doing his best to address.”

Wilson said that his goal in addressing the Governor’s reopening plan is to keep folks updated with factual, trusted information on the decisions being made in Frankfort that impact all of us.

“I think generally, the news is positive and that we are progressing in the right direction,” Wilson said. “While this virus is still here and still very much a threat to our most vulnerable, I’m thankful that our community has largely escaped the tragedy that has hit other areas, and I’m very much looking forward to life getting back to some level of normalcy.”