Kentucky Mask Mandate Changing for Smaller, Outdoor Events

The loosened restrictions come as vaccinations increase.

Shutterstock photo.

(Frankfort, Ky.) – Kentucky’s mask mandate is being scaled back. 

Starting today, the statewide mask mandate is no longer in effect when Kentuckians are outside at events or venues with 1,000 people or fewer.

“What this means is at events like the Kentucky Derby, you still have to wear a mask, but if you’re at a backyard barbeque, your community pool or an outdoor wedding, you’re not required to wear a mask,” said Gov. Beshear. “We hope this is a relief for people, and remember, the state will be able to lift even more restrictions once the 2.5 million vaccine Team Kentucky Vaccination Challenge is reached.”

Masks are still recommended at outdoor events with 1,000 people or fewer.

It should be noted that he mask mandate remains in effect when Kentuckians are indoors or at any outdoor event with more than 1,000 people, like the aforementioned Kentucky Derby that happens this weekend.

Beshear also provided an update on the Johnson and Johnson vaccine on Monday. The governor says all Kentucky vaccination sites may now resume use of the J&J vaccine, although sites may prefer to wait until more detailed guidance from the CDC and FDA is provided.

To date, more than 1.7 million Kentuckians have received at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. 

For more information, visit https://governor.ky.gov/news.

RELATED STORIES

Beshear: When 2.5M Kentuckians Get Vaccinated, Restrictions Will Be Lifted

More from Local News

Events

Chip Seal Operations Planned on State Road 46 in Dearborn and Ripley Counties

Work is expected to take up to three days, weather permitting. 

Lawrenceburg Primary School Hires Sarah Wilkinson as Dean of Students

She began her career as a first-grade teacher with Middletown City School District.

Local Sports Report - May 11, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Local Sports Report - May 8-9, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Thomas Rhett - Slow Down Summer

Randy Houser We Went 0:06
Keith Urban Somebody Like You 0:02
Fox News Fox News National Newscast 0:01
Morgan Wallen More Than My Hometown 23:57