masks reaction

masks reaction

In our top story at 11...governor andy beshear says kentucky is no longer in a plateau in the fight against the coronavirus.

He says the state is seeing a rise in cases...and that...paired with troubling stories and numbers across the country...has him making a new rule.

Starting tomorrow...all kentuckians 'must' wear a mask.

We'll have more on that new mandate in a minute.

First, the numbers.

Today... the state is reporting 333 new cases of the virus.... with 18,245 cases overall in the state since the start of the pandemic.

We have also lost 4 more kentuckians to the virus... bringing the death toll now to 612.

The drastic jump in numbers is one of the reasons behind the governor's new mask mandate.

We know wearing a mask has become an issue of intense debate among many people so, abc 36's bobbi mcswine asked what you think about the new rules.

Bobbi: "wearing a mask...that's already a controversial topic for some kentuckians...and now it's going to be mandatory.

That news comes with some mixed reviews."

In the grocery store...book store...or even your favorite cafe...the governor is now requiring you wear a mask with limited exceptions.

Governor beshear:"if we do this, and if we really do it, not just when we think other people are watching i believe that we can keep restaurants open at 50 percent.

I believe that we can keep retail open at 50 percent."

The sweeping executive order...not taken well by linda esters during her evening shopping trip.

Linda esters:"it's like we're living in a communist state.

I don't like it.

I think i do my distancing."

Esters says she knows not everyone stays 6 feet apart in stores...but requiring them to wear a mask won't help what she calls the inevitable.

Linda esters:"if something's gonna get you it's gonna get you whether you wear a mask or not."

Earl crouch agrees...and says there's a hidden agenda.

Earl crouch:"i think it's all politics.

After the election it'll all be gone."

Lavane says she's a health care professional and the new mandate is a step in the right direction.

Lavane: "i feel like it should have been done a long time ago because it's been proven that masks, may not prevent illness, but it'll definitely lessen somebody viral load that they get."

The new order will take effect for 30 days friday at 5 p- m...the governor says there will be a few exceptions...people with underlying health conditions...kids under 5...those who are 6 feet apart from others...and those around people already in their household will not have to wear masks.

He says health officials will monitor cases in the next month and see if the state is improving with the new mandate.

In lexington, bobbi mcswine, abc 36