Gov. Stitt Announces New Actions To Combat COVID-19 Spread In State

As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to spike upward, state officials announced new actions to combat the virus' spread.

Gov. Kevin Stitt announced several new restrictions starting on Thursday for bars and restaurants in the state.

Effective Thursday, tables must stay six feet apart. Dividers may be used to keep groups separated if tables can not be spread apart.

Bars and restaurants will close in-person business at 11 p.m. Curbside and drive-thru may remain open past 11 p.m.

On Tuesday, state employees must wear a face mask at work and anyone visiting state buildings will also be required to wear a mask.

Stitt said his office has reached out to the state Senate president pro tempore and House of Representatives speaker to implement a mask mandate in the state Capitol building.

These actions are being taken to slow the spread to allow children to go back to in-person learning after winter break, Stitt said.

"These are our first actions but they will not be our last," Stitt said.

Stitt said the state will implement new actions if and when it is appropriate.

"A vaccine is on its way but we need to buckle down until then," he said.