PADUCAH, KY (WSIL) -- With the stroke of a pen Friday morning, Gov. Andy Beshear (D-Kentucky) signed an executive order ending the state's COVID-19 mitigation restrictions.
"Today we are lifting the final restrictions put in place that have kept our people safe during this once in a lifetime global pandemic," said Beshear.
The Governor says COVID-19 remains a threat, but the state is no longer in a crisis. Businesses in downtown Paducah say they are looking forward to what comes next, and they are excited about welcoming back customers.
Paducah Beer Werks owner Todd Blume says he is expanding his outdoor seating and preparing to accommodate customers who remain cautious. But, Blume says it is a good day for the community and the state.
"It's great, because now people can come in, they don't have to worry about their masks, it's really nice to be able to see people's faces again," says Blume. "It's going to help our businesses grow, as we come out of this pandemic-economy, and I think the future is looking bright."
Beer Werks is asking for unvaccinated customers to wear masks if seated inside, but otherwise are fully open for business. Governor Beshear says most of the state's COVID restrictions are lifted, including mask mandates and venue capacity. However, masks are still required for nursing homes and hospital visits.
Hollyhock House owner Holly Howard says business began picking up again as the weather warmed, "But we still aren't quiet back to where we were pre-pandemic,"
Howard says she hopes the economy keeps moving small businesses like hers forward, and looks forward to more people ready to get back to some form of normalcy.
Blume says Paducah as a whole, is ready as well.
"I don't know if we'll ever get back to normal, but this is the closest to normal that we're going to get right now," says Blume, "I'm happy for it, happy to see peoples' faces again, and I look forward to great business this summer."
