Kentucky's Healthy at Home strategy FAQ's

PLEASE NOTe THAT AS THINGS CHANGE NEW DIRECTIVES MAY BE GIVEN AT ANY TIME. WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO KEEP YOU INFORMED WITH THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION.

The Bluegrass State is currently #HealthyatHome,” as Gov. Andy Beshear put it over the weekend.

On Wednesday, March 25th, Beshear mandated all “nonessential businesses” to close to in-person traffic by 8 p.m. Thursday evening. Gov. Beshear has previously directed “nonessential retail” to close and medical facilities to cease elective procedures. The move marked more steps our Governor is taking as Kentuckians stay indoors to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, as part of a #HealthyatHome strategy.

"That doesn’t mean boarded in your home. It means you, no matter where we go, will be able to get your essentials out in the community, and it also means you’ll be able to get out and get the type of exercise that you need." -Andy Beshear

Additional information can be found at www.govstatus.egov.com/kycovid19

Quick look at what is and isn't allowed under the "healthy at home" initiative:

What businesses in Kentucky are open?
Grocery stores
General merchandise stores, including warehouse clubs and supercenters
Pet and pet supply stores
Hardware
Gas stations
Automotive parts and repair
Auto, truck and van rental
Liquor stores
Banks
Veterinary offices
Pharmacies
Drug stores
UPS
Specialty food stores
Meat markets
Fish and seafood markets
Fruit and vegetable markets

What businesses in Kentucky are closed?

Clothing
Entertainment
Sporting goods
Department stores
Shoes
Jewelry
Florists
Furniture
Bookstores
Auto dealers (repair and part stores are exempt and will remain open)
Electronics and appliance
Cosmetics, beauty supplies and perfume stores
Optical goods
Other personal health and personal care stores
Office supplies
Used merchandise stores
All other miscellaneous store retailers

Are restaurants open?

  • Bars and restaurants are closed for in-person dining but can still handle take-out, delivery or drive-thru orders. Restaurants in Kentucky are now allowed to serve alcohol with take-out orders.

Can I drive? And are roads open?

  • Roads are open, but driving is restricted to essential travel (such as going to the grocery store, reaching a medical facility or going to work).

Can I go outside?

  • Gyms and fitness centers are closed, but exercising outdoors is permitted as long as a safe distance is kept between people.

Medical care

  • If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough and/or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider.

  • If you suspected you have COVID-19, please call the healthcare provider in advance so that proper precautions can be taken to limit further transmission. Older patients and individuals who have severe underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild.

  • If you have severe symptoms, such as persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face, contact your healthcare provider or emergency room and seek care immediately, but please call in advance if possible. Your doctor will determine if you have signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and whether you should be tested.

  • State-operated developmental centers, intermediate care facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities and community integrated living arrangements will continue to provide care. All in-home direct care staff are considered essential staff and should continue to support individuals in the home setting.  

Emily Browning