Kentucky gained 2,953 new COVID-19 cases from Tuesday to Wednesday and saw 26 new deaths, with Governor Andy Beshear giving an update on vaccine rollout.
More state leaders received the vaccine Wednesday to encourage others that the shot is safe and effective, including Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman, Chief Judge Denise Clayton of the Kentucky Court of Appeals, acting Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr., Emergency Management Director Michael Dossett and Chief of Staff La Tasha Buckner.
The positivity rate decreased slightly to 8.35 percent—Governor Beshear says, “This war is far from over, but we’ve won another battle, beating back exponential growth of this virus in our state before Christmas. I hope you all enjoy a wonderful holiday, even if it looks a little different this year. Please be careful so we can hold on to the progress we’ve made.”
The 26 new deaths raises the death toll in the Commonwealth up to 2,466.
The Tennessee Department of Health reported 7,221 new COVID-19 cases there, along with 111 new deaths, bringing the death toll in the Volunteer State up to 6,380.