Kentucky’s travel ban will be lifted on May 22 ahead of Memorial Day weekend, and gatherings of 10 people or less will also be allowed on that day, as announced by Gov. Andy Beshear Thursday afternoon.
Previously, 10-person gatherings were not supposed to resume until May 25.
“We realized that people are making plans for Memorial Day,” Beshear said. “I trust that we can do this right, that we can do this safely. I’d much rather get out there with some good guidance and rules if a number of people are going to do this anyway, and encourage you to do it well.”
While travel to and from Kentucky is opening back up, Beshear said people should proceed with caution.
“We still need to be very careful about where we travel to,” he said. “If you are thinking about going to the beach right now, it is still very dangerous. Remember there are hundreds of cases in Western Kentucky related to a trip to the beach.”
Beshear urged people planning to hold gatherings to do so outside as much as possible and continue to remain 6 feet apart from those who are not part of your household.
Other guidance includes not sharing anything — from food, drinks and containers to plates, napkins and utensils. Buffets and potlucks are discouraged as much as possible.
“As much as you can, try to keep food and the other stuff separate,” Beshear said. “It sounds different than (a normal) Memorial Day. Just take and roll with these rules the best that you can so you can be as protected as possible.”
Beshear further recommended that those in high-risk areas such as those over 65 years of age and/or those with specific health problems do not participate in these gatherings.
“It’s not fair, but the virus isn’t either and we know how deadly it is to those that have these pre-existing conditions,” he said.
Parents are also recommended to plan ahead and find ways for children to interact with each other from a distance — such as playing laser tag instead of basketball.
“Plan ahead. Be smart,” Beshear said. “Know that this is out there, and just try to do the best you can following all these rules.”
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For the latest information and data on COVID-19 in Kentucky visit kycovid19.ky.gov or dial the Kentucky state hotline at 800-722-5725.
For the latest health guidelines and resources from the CDC, visit their website here.
