Amid the continued and growing COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Andy Beshear has issued a mandate ordering Kentuckians to wear a mask or other face covering in certain public areas.

In a press conference Thursday evening, Beshear said he has filed an executive order for the mandate, which becomes effective Friday at 5 p.m. The mandate will be effective for 30 days and will then be reviewed, he said.

Kentucky’s mask mandate will be effective for customers in retail and grocery stores, most forward-facing businesses and outdoor areas where social distancing is not possible. Beshear said the National Retail Federation requested the mask mandate be issued in order to ensure businesses can stay open. He said that request, along with increasing cases in Kentucky prompted him to issue the mandate.

With the mandate, Kentucky becomes the 24th state to require masks in some fashion.

More information will be posted as it is released.