Frankfort, Ky.–Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced Thursday afternoon that the state will begin mandating the wearing of face masks at 5 p.m. Friday.
At a press conference aired live on Kentucky television stations, Gov. Beshear said there are 333 new cases of COVID-19, increasing the statewide total to some 18,245. With four more deaths, the death toll is now at 612, he said.
Wearing face masks will protect against the spread of COVID-19, he said.
Wearing a face mask “is no longer voluntary. It’s mandatory,” he said. “It’s time to get serious. We’re starting to see a real increase in Kentucky. It’s no longer a question: a mask helps to stop the spread.”
The executive order mandating masks in most public places and public-facing businesses will last at least 30 days. He signed it Thursday.