LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The governor has recommended the 68 counties in the "red zone" on Thursday follow multiple guidelines next week to stop the spread of the coronavirus, including a suggestion that people refrain from eating out.
It's unclear how this recommendation will affect local businesses, but Governor Beshear asked people to order takeout from their favorite restaurants instead.
"My hope and certainly my call is for communities to support these businesses during that week," he said.
Counties in the "red zone" include Fayette, Scott and Jessamine counties.
In Lexington, Corto Lima has adapted throughout the pandemic to offer multiple options to customers.
"All of our tables are distanced, our curbside program is killer," said the restaurant's Director of Marketing and Media Brie Lowry Cox. "We've really just tried to stay ahead of the curve."
The restaurant has a private table upstairs that can be reserved and will also use a private dining space to offer expanded indoor seating as colder weather means fewer people will want to eat outdoors.
Going into next week, Lowry Cox said Corto Lima will continue to offer the options to customers that make them most comfortable.
"If people want to come out, we're going to be here," she said, "but generally speaking, we want to make ourselves as accessible as we can."
Customer Harry Ginsberg said he's been dining out at his favorite restaurants to support them during the pandemic.
"Especially being in this industry, hospitality and restaurant industry, I've seen what these times have brought to a lot of business owners and employees and it's just important to support the other people around," he said.
He wasn't sure how he'd handle the governor's recommendations next week, but he said he may dine out if he feels restaurants take the proper precautions.
"I personally just want to be able to support other restaurants and businesses and whatever the safest thing is, is probably what I'll do," he said.
Gov. Beshear stressed his "red zone" guidelines are not mandates and are solely recommendations on how people can make their community safer.
Recommendations include:
- Employers allow employees to work from home when possible
- Non-critical government offices to operate virtually
- Reduce in-person shopping; order online or curbside pickup
- Order take-out; avoid dining in restaurants or bars
- Prioritize businesses that follow and enforce mask mandate and other guidelines
- Reschedule, postpone, or cancel public and private events
- Do not host or attend gatherings of any size
- Avoid non-essential activities outside of your home
- Reduce overall activity and contacts, and follow existing guidance, including 10 steps to defeat COVID-19
