Mayor Gorton has released the Lexington Blueprint for Economic Recovery. This document was compiled using data from discussions among 132 community members, representing the city's major economic sectors. Together, they put together a total of 330 recommendations for reopening the economy. Read Lexington Blueprint for Economic Recovery online.
You can find Lexington's Restaurant and Retail Temporary Relief Program here.
Additionally, Governor Beshear released the Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund, which assists in paying rent for those affected by COVID-19. Learn more.
See detailed plans from Governor Beshear for different industries on guidelines and restrictions for reopening below. These guidelines, as well as much more information, can be found on the Commonwealth's Healthy at Work webpage.
On April 17, Governor Andy Beshear released the benchmarks to reopening our state's economy. These are based on the guidelines released in the federal government's Opening Up America Again plan.
Phased Guidelines
Reopening May 9 (Executive Order)
Reopening May 11 (Executive Order)
- Construction
- Horse racing (No fans)
- Manufacturing & distribution
- Office-based businesses (50%)
- Pet grooming / boarding
- Photography
- Vehicle or vessel dealerships
Reopening May 18 (Executive Order)
Reopening May 20 (Executive Order)
Reopening May 22 (Executive Order)
- Restaurants: 33% capacity + outdoor seating - Lexington's Temporary Relief Program
- Groups of 10 people or fewer
- Travel Ban Lifted
Reopening May 25 (Executive Order)
Reopening June 1 (Executive Order)
- Auctions
- Auto / Dirt Track Racing
- Aquatic Centers
- Bowling alleys
- Fishing Tournaments
- Fitness Centers
- Kentucky State Park Lodges
- Movie Theaters
- Salato Wildlife Education Center
Reopening June 8 (Executive Order)
- Education and Cultural Activities
- Aquariums
- Distilleries
- Libraries
- Limited Outdoor Attractions
- Museums
- Horse Shows
- Some Childcare (in-home programs)
Reopening June 10 (Executive Order)
Reopening June 11 (Executive Order)
- Kentucky Horse Park
- Kentucky State Park Campgrounds
- Vehicle and Vessel Dealerships 2.0 (up to 50% capacity)
Reopening June 15 (Executive Order)
Reopening June 18
Reopening June 20
Reopening June 22
Reopening June 25 (Executive Order)
- Barbershops/Cosmetology/Hair Salons 2.0
- Massage Therapy 2.0
- Nail Salons 2.0
- Tanning Salons 2.0
- Tattoo Parlors 2.0
Reopening June 29 (Executive Order)
- Bars and Restaurants
- Groups of 50 People
- Public Swimming and Bathing Facilities
- Venues and Event Spaces
- Youth sports (expanded activities)
Reopening July 1
- Auctions 2.0 (Up to 50% Capacity)
- Aquatic Centers 2.0 (Up to 50% Capacity)
- Bowling Alleys 2.0 (Up to 50% Capacity)
- Fitness Centers 2.0 (Up to 50% Capacity)
- Movie Theaters 2.0 (Up to 50% Capacity)
- Venues and Events Spaces
- Gatherings of Up to 50
Effective July 10
Effective July 20
- Reduction of Social Gatherings to no more than 10
- Recommendation of a 14 Day Self-Quarantine for travelers who went to any states reporting positive testing rate equal to or greater than 15 percent (states updated as advisory changes)
- Florida
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Missouri
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Effective July 27
Effective August 10 (Executive Order)
- Bars may resume in-person operations following minimum requirements (this was updated on September 15 to allow bars to serve alcohol until 11 p.m. and close at Midnight)
- Restaurants may operate at a capacity up to 50% following minimum requirements