April 20, 2020

Gov. Beshear Outlines Seven Benchmarks to Safely Reopen Economy

At his daily press conference on April 19, Gov. Beshear reiterated the details about newly announced benchmarks that the commonwealth must meet in order to start reopening the state’s economy while keeping Kentuckians safe from the novel coronavirus. 

Read full statement including guidance on the first stages of reopening.  

The Governor said the state’s seven benchmarks – which reflect guidance from the White House – would determine the phases for reopening parts of the economy.

Benchmark criteria for Kentucky to move to the first stage:

  • 14 days of decreasing cases
  • Increased testing capacity and contact tracing
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) availability
  • Ability to protect at-risk populations
  • Ability to social distance and follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on large gatherings
  • Preparedness for possible future spike
  • Status of vaccine and treatment

For more information on the White House’s criteria and all three proposed phases of reopening, visit whitehouse.gov/openingamerica.

“So let’s make sure as much as were looking at those benchmarks and were looking at the future, that we are acting in the present and we are doing the things that it takes to protect one another,” Gov. Beshear said.