Gov. Andy Beshear is lifting the state's travel ban and allowing gatherings of 10 people or fewer a few days ahead of schedule.
With a holiday coming up, Beshear says it makes sense to loosen some restrictions on May 22.
"We realize that people are making plans for Memorial Day," he told reporters. "I trust that we can do this right, that we can do this safely, and I'd much rather get out there with some good guidance and rules if a number of people are going to do this anyway and encourage you to do it well."
That guidance includes holding gatherings outside as much as possible, remaining six feet apart from people who are not members of one's household, and avoiding sharing food, plates, and napkins.
Alongside the eased rules on crowds, the governor is also allowing the state's revised travel ban to expire ahead of the holiday weekend.
Starting May 15th at 8 am, officials will begin taking applications for Team Kentucky funds online at teamkyfund.ky.gov. Lt. Gov Jacqueline Coleman said eligible Kentuckians include those who have lost their jobs or seen a wage or hour reduction of at least 50 percent.
Kentucky announced 199 new cases of the virus Thursday, with 32 in Fayette County.
