FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky’s governor recommended all school districts start the year with distance learning.

Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said Monday he wants superintendents to delay in-person classes until at least Sept. 28, citing the number of coronavirus cases in Kentucky over the past several weeks, especially among young children.

“It is a myth that kids do not get this virus,” Beshear said. “It is a myth that kids cannot spread this virus.”

Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman (D) said students and teachers both deserve a healthy workspace.

“It is not fair for all of the requirements that have been placed on our schools, for our teachers to be doing the bulk of that work, in a situation where they could be putting their health at risk,” Coleman said.

Kentucky’s two largest districts, Jefferson and Fayette counties, have already moved to remote learning to start the year. Several others, including McCracken County, decided on remote learning after Beshear’s recommendation.

“While we’re disappointed that we won’t get to see our students in-person, we are ready for this endeavor,” McCracken County Schools Superintendent Steve Carter said in a video posted to Twitter Monday evening.

Since the governor’s recommendation isn’t an official order, school districts still have the option to start the year with in-person classes. Beshear said superintendents need to think about the health implications of doing so.

“If you go back too early, a school can possibly create a spike in a community as well that could have longer-term impacts,” Beshear said. “But I think the last piece is if you come back for three days and then have to stop and then have to get distance learning going, it might hurt your students even more.”

During his update Monday, Beshear also announced bars and restaurants can open to 50 percent capacity starting Tuesday but with a curfew. Bars and restaurants have to stop serving customers at 10 p.m. and close by 11 p.m.