FRANKFORT, Ky. — Governor Andy Beshear announced today that he is ordering the closure of restaurants and bars throughout the state in response to the coronavirus.  Restaurants will still be allowed to continue drive thru and delivery services at this time.   

In his Monday morning press conference the Governor said, "There are those that....have spent your sweat equity and maybe even your life savings to open that small business.  We are going to do everything we can to be there for you.  I want you to know that I realize the impact that it is going to have but we have to take these steps to make sure we are protecting our people and this is a necessary one."

Kentucky joins other states, including Ohio, Illinois, Massachusetts and California, in closing bars and restaurants to limit the spread of the virus.  Governor Beshear also annoounced that the waiting period before receiving unemployment will be waived for folks that are losing their jobs because of the coronavirus.