Governor Andy Beshear signed an executive order and masks or face coverings are no longer recommended in public, they are mandatory. Kevin Hall with the Lexington Fayette County Health Department said he wants to clarify that officials won’t be “going around citing individuals who don’t comply.” He said the hope is that business owners and staff will make sure customers follow the rules.
If complaints are made, Hall said the business will first be given a warning, then they can be fined. Individuals will not be cited by the health department but can be by law enforcement. It’s the same way the health department handles non-compliance for the city’s no-smoking ordinance. First offense fines are $50, second offense $75, third offense $100.
Hall calls for patience with one each other about masks, but with another one-day record of positive Coronavirus cases in Lexington, he said they are essential to slowing the spread. Numerous organizations, including the Kentucky Retail Association have asked that masks become a requirement. Governor Beshear’s order will last for 30 days.