Gov. Beshear Considering Statewide Mask Mandate As COVID Cases Surge

Yesterday, the state announced its third highest day for newly reported cases since the pandemic began.

(Frankfort, Ky.) – A statewide mask mandate could be on the horizon in Kentucky.

Yesterday, Governor Andy Beshear reported the state’s third highest day for newly reported cases since the pandemic began, with 4,836 cases of COVID-19.

“This delta variant is more aggressive and dangerous than anything we’ve faced,” said Beshear. “It’s time to get serious, Kentucky. I need our people to come together once again to protect those we love.”

The governor said Thursday that the return of a statewide mask mandate is something that is being considered in effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The statement comes as hospitalizations and ICU admissions surge. As of Thursday, 1,658 Kentuckians are hospitalized with COVID-19. A record 466 are in the ICU and another 229 are on ventilators.

“Kentucky’s health care teams are tired. They are overworked and have been for 17 months. We have asked a lot of them, and they have stepped up yet again to work countless hours to save lives in every corner of the commonwealth. Now, we need to lift them up,” said Gov. Beshear. “Like many of us, they were undoubtedly relieved a few months ago when it looked like this crisis was winding down. But now they are having to hold hands again while people they met just a few days ago take their final breaths. We call them health care heroes because they’ve earned that title and continue to earn it every day and every night.”

Dr. Steven Slack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Public Health recommends all Kentuckians wear masks in schools and in high-risk indoor settings.