The Kentucky Healthy at Work initiative has begun as the state looks to restart parts of the economy that have been shut down in an effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, which causes COVID-19.
Most of the openings come with several stipulations that require business owners, employees and customers to maintain social distancing where possible and to wear protective gear, including face masks and gloves.
Here is the schedule for businesses that are slated to reopen:
- May 18: Government offices and agencies
- May 20: Retail stores and funeral homes
- May 22: Restaurants
- May 25: Hair salons, barber shops, tanning salons, nail salons, tattoo parlors and massage therapy
- June 1: Bowling alleys, movie theaters, fitness centers, state parks and aquatic centers (for exercise)
- June 11: Campgrounds
- June 15: Some child care centers and low-contact youth sports
- July 1: Bars
Here is more information about restrictions that are part of the reopenings.
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.
