Kentucky has its first coronavirus death and the governor has ordered that all bars and restaurants close to in-house dining.
Governor Andy Beshear says the 66-year old Bourbon County man with other underlying health conditions died and he extended his condolences.
He says he knows the order to close restaurants and bars to in-house dining at 4 p.m. Monday will hurt people who have spent their life savings and hours of hard work to open and maintain their businesses, but the step was necessary to protect Kentuckians.
Restaurants will still be able to be open for pickup, delivery and drive thru traffic.
The governor has waived the waiting period for unemployment benefits for those who are out of work due to COVID-19 and recipients won’t have to search for employment.
Beshear urged the General Assembly to approve a budget as quickly as possible as lawmakers are set to return to Frankfort Tuesday.
He continues to urge Kentuckians to use social distancing and good hygiene and hand-washing practices to avoid contracting and spreading coronavirus.
The state COVID-19 hotline is 1-800-722-5725.