Hopkins County Businesses Cited for Not Following Beshear's Mask Mandate

The Hopkins County Health Department says several businesses have been cited for not following Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear's statewide mask mandate.

Story tonight at 5 --- businesses-- already taken a beating from coronavirus-- now have a new concern.

Citations--from the health department-- enforcing the bluegrass' mask mandate.

As chief western kentucky bureau reporter erran huber told you about in july-- businesses could be facing fines if they don't follow the rules from frankfort.

But tonight-- erran takes a look at the aftermath of new covid-19 challenge -- for one small business in hopkins county.

Sherri buchanan and her husband-- have had their catering and food truck business for nearly 7 years.

And she says she trying to do her best to navigate this year and all it brings.

Particularly when inside serving.

As catering, we have taken all measures, all compliance with, we wear a mask, we wear our gloves doing events.

And for those looking for a bite to eat during the day.

"at our own venue location, a drive through.

So we keep the social distancing, we keep the customer from even having to get out of their vehicle and have minimal, minimal contact as possible."

But tonight she been caught up in a citation crackdown over her food truck.

Hopkins county health department gave her a mask mandate violation--a written warning.

Tonight her family isn alone.

Their business by the health department-- along with seven others on social media.

From mom and pop shops to gas stations to even the ymca.

Some of those living in madisonville we spoke say-- they're glad to see a heavier hand.

"i think it's pretty great.

People, if they want to get back to everyday activities, they need to actually follow the rules and wear a mask.

That means a lot of older people, and a lot of kids that can't really fight the infections, or risk getting sick.

If you actually care about other people, the mask is a good idea.

They should wear a mask."

But tonight sherri shared, her own feelings come from more than just being upset over being put on notice.

"this whole pandemic has been difficult for everyone, different levels.

But as a small business owner, you're concerned.

This is our livelihood.

When do you question yourself, to the point that you stand up against that fear of how your business is going to be affected, and you stand up for what you believe in and what you feel is right?

I mentioned the hypocrisy that seems to be going on.

I thought we lived in a democracy, not a dictatorship, that seems to be more and more prevalent, at least in our area."

We did reach out to the hopkins county health department to find out a little bit more about why these businesses were cited--and what the next steps are.

But--all they were able to share--is that no one was available to answer any of our questions.

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