FRANKFORT, Ky. — An executive order requiring Kentuckians to wear face masks in public buildings has been extended for another 30 days.

Gov. Andy Beshear made that announcement during his afternoon press briefing on Thursday.

The mask mandate originally began on July 10 and was set to expire on Sunday. With the new order, the mandate will remain in effect until Sept. 8.

Beshear said he would make a decision on whether to extend the mandate or let it expire as that date approaches.

Beshear said the numbers show the masks are helping. After experiencing a surge in cases, numbers have leveled off in recent weeks, and have even shown a slight decline this week.

Gov. Beshear also announced that the state has seen an additional 516 confirmed cases and eight more deaths since Wednesday.