Governor’s order requires many retailers to close

The order does not apply to grocery and drug stores.

Kentucky’s non-essential retail businesses — including clothing stores, florists, bookstores, sporting goods and car dealerships — must close by 8 p.m. Monday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced in his daily briefing Sunday.

Gov. Andy Beshear at his Sunday briefing.
(Facebook screenshot)

The order does not apply to grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and restaurants — although restaurants must restrict business to drive-thru, delivery and carry-out.

Retail stores may continue to do business through delivery and curbside services. Also, the restriction on car lots does not apply to auto repairs and auto parts. Those will still be available.

“It’s going to take this type of sacrifice” to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus, Beshear said.

Closing non-essential businesses is another step in Kentucky’s response to the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

(Jennifer P. Brown is the editor and founder of Hoptown Chronicle. Reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org.)

Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation's board.