FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky's governor on Thursday extended his mask-wearing requirement to combat the coronavirus and announced that the state fair will be limited to participants only.
The actions come as the Bluegrass State tries to halt a recent spike in coronavirus cases. Kentucky reported 516 new virus cases Thursday and eight more virus-related deaths.
Gov. Andy Beshear announced his mask-wearing mandate for most people will be extended another 30 days. The Democratic governor first imposed the statewide requirement about a month ago.
Compliance is a crucial step to save lives, allow the economy to rebound and allow children to return to school, the governor said.
"It's working," Beshear told reporters. "And if we want to get some things back open that we had to pause, if we want to continue to grow our economy, this is our way."
The governor praised the state fair board for limiting this year's state fair to participants only to help prevent a spread of the virus.
"This is a decision that I think was necessary and one that will allow us to have the fair in a safe manner," he said.
The governor said total statewide virus cases from Monday to Thursday of this week are down from the prior week.
By BRUCE SCHREINER and PIPER HUDSPETH BLACKBURN
Associated Press
