The governor called on local health departments to fine bars and restaurants if they are not following the 50% capacity rules, instead of merely educating them about the rules and the reasons for them. He also noted that the state Labor Cabinet and Alcoholic Beverage Control agents could help enforce the rules.
The change comes as Kentucky continues to record an elevated number of coronavirus cases, but the state’s positivity rate has ticked back down to 3.97%.
Leaders of the legislature's Republican majorities have said Beshear should have consulted with them before making major moves, such as his July 9 order to wear masks in indoor public spaces and outdoors when six feet of distance can't be maintained. The governor has said Republicans dislike the highly public role he is playing and are politically motivated.
Other public-health experts have expressed alarm at the change, Market Watch reports, largely because it is estimated that up to 40 percent of people who have the coronavirus don't have symptoms, but can still spread it.
Two programs — $3.3 billion given to unemployed workers and $5.2 billion given to Kentucky businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program — expired at the end of July.
Secretary of State Michael Adams said that the state won’t be encouraging everyone to vote by mail, but it will ultimately be up to voters to determine how to cast their ballots.
Secretary of State Michael Adams expects the final criteria for who can cast ballots by mail will be “subjective,” allowing people to do so if they feel that they are at risk of contracting or having complications from coronavirus.
Beshear reported 425 new cases of the virus on Sunday, about 375 fewer than yesterday, but higher than a typical report on a Sunday, when fewer testing laboratories report to the state.
