Escalations, red zones, yellow zones, mask up Kentucky

Graph showing the escalation of positive COVID-19 cases in Kentucky

The White House report of counties in Kentucky in the red zone

The White House report on counties in Kentucky in the yellow zone

In today's COVID-19 report, Governor Andy Beshear discussed the need for tighter restrictions on businesses that don't comply with the mask mandate. As Kentucky continues to see escalations in positive COVID-19 cases, Beshear said that we're getting too relaxed on wearing masks and social distancing. 

The Governor discussed possible consequences to businesses that didn't mandate  wearing masks in restaurants/bars and all other businesses. He said Inspectors of Labor and the ABC will issue fines, shutdown businesses or simply have a heart-to-heart conversation with business owners that disobey the mask mandate. The Governor said, "It may make you mad, but you can blame it on me and the state of Kentucky." 

Beshear said that the White House along with federal officials are all in favor of wearing masks when inside any building and limiting the number of people at social gatherings. "We need this to happen because of the positive case trajectory," said Beshear. "If we don't mask up, there won't be customers." 

Other discussions during today's briefing included the White House release of counties in Kentucky that are in the red or yellow zone. Marshall and Calloway Counties are in the red zone. McCracken County is currently in the yellow zone. Red zone means there are too many positive cases and the yellow zone means cases are on the rise. 

A member of the Kentucky's Unemployment Insurance branch of government spoke regarding unpaid claims, the backlog of disputed claims, and the possibility of opening a few of the local unemployment offices. If you've tried to get an appointment with the UI office in Frankfort, that won't happen until 2021. All appointments are booked through the end of the year. 

Dr. Stack presented some statistics. The main emphasis was on the rise in cases and how Kentucky needs to do better. October 6 reports 764 confirmed cases, 13 deaths, and 306 recovered.