Governor Beshear announced that beginning Monday, April 27th, the state will begin the process of opening back up phase 1 healthcare services and facilities.

According to the governor, these facilities will run much differently than they did prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Health care providers can resume non-urgent/emergent health care services, diagnostic radiology and lab services on Monday. That includes hospital outpatient services, clinics and medical offices, physical therapy, chiropractic offices, optometrists and dental offices. The dental offices will have to have enhanced aerosol protections.

In his daily news conference on Thursday, April 23rd, Governor Beshear said this reopening would be their "proof of concept" if done correctly.

“And it’s no mistake that we’re doing it in the health care arena,” he continued, “which ought to be the area that can respond the fastest to any issues that arise with the coronavirus, should be the most aware of the procedures — the PPE and the rest — and ought to give us a good look at what this is going to look like as we do it in other areas.”

This does not apply to elective surgeries or procedures which will be addressed in a later phase. The openings also do not apply to similar services in nursing homes and prisons

“This is intended to be a phased, gradual reopening so that we can do this thoughtfully, safely, and see the consequences of our actions to make the necessary adjustments,” said Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner for the Department for Public Health.

Dr. Stack also mentioned the following stipulations that the providers listed above have to follow to be able to reopen:

*Maximize telehealth rather than in-person services

*No visitors allowed except when necessary for end-of-life, vulnerable populations, minors, etc. and then only to minimum essential extent

*Eliminate traditional waiting/common seating areas and use nontraditional alternatives (e.g., parking lot lobby)

*Maintain social distancing (at least 6 feet) in all settings where people must wait and employ other steps to minimize direct contact between individuals within the health care setting.

Those reopening also have to screen employees and patients for fevers and other COVID-19 symptoms, have hand sanitizer and/or handwashing areas available and be able to sanitize commonly used areas frequently.

On March 23rd, the governor signed an executive order ceasing all elective procedures in hopes of stopping the spread of the coronavirus.