Beshear mandates masks, local residents react to decision

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Governor Andy Beshear signed an executive order mandating Kentuckians wear masks.

Beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, people will be required to wear a mask in most indoor settings in Kentucky, including shops, restaurants and grocery stores.

Beshear cited health officials who say the risk of catching covid-19 decreases by about 65% if you wear a mask.

Warren County Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon encourages wearing masks in public and social distancing.

“It beats the heck out of being fitted for a ventilator in the hospital, and it may save someone else’s life for you to wear a mask,” said Buchanon.

Local residents have varying opinions on the matter.

“I would like to say that everybody should have the choice, and I’ll be honest though, in the beginning that is sort of where I landed on that, but unfortunately as things are starting to heat up again, I am concerned that we may all need to do it,” said Leigh Witty.

“I think it should be mandated if we are staying in close contact with somebody, you know,” Lewis Ramirez said.

Tim Griffiths disagrees.

“The government cannot tell you what you can wear and what you can’t,” Griffiths said. “They can encourage you to, but when the government can step in and tell you to. Now, if you’re a threat, I think the government has the right to quarantine you.”

“I think it should be mandatory. We are protecting the people around us and ourselves. People look at the numbers that are being produced by this virus. I don’t know why they have a problem wearing a mask,” Keith Young said.

The mandate applies to all indoor public areas.

It also applies to outdoor settings if you are unable to practice social distancing. The executive order is in effect for 30 days.

The mandate does not apply to individuals with health problems and children under 5 years old.