Every eligible Kentuckian should now have the option to get a COVID-19 vaccine, with Governor Andy Beshear urging people to consider getting the shot.
The governor reported 409 new cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth from both Sunday and Monday, and says that last week broke the 12 week streak of declining cases, with overall reported cases up some. He says it is good news that the state is not showing any evidence of an escalation of cases. Many states are starting to see an increase in cases once again, and the governor says a new concerning trend shows that younger populations are being hit harder than before due to the coronavirus variants.
He says that’s just one of many reasons why they went ahead and opened vaccine appointments to all Kentuckians 16 years of age and up. Roughly 1.5 million individuals have gotten at least their first dose of the vaccine in Kentucky. Governor Beshear says getting that vaccine will open up so much and allow you to remain safe doing so.
Kentucky is putting out new guidance if you are fully vaccinated, they will no longer have any restrictions are travelling within the United States, as they believe it is much safer to do so—if not vaccinated, they are still recommending not travelling domestically.
There were nine new deaths reported Monday, along with nine from the audit, putting that total at 6,171—the positivity rate is at 2.9 percent.
A new task force will be dealing with the surge of fraudulent unemployment claims in Kentucky. Governor Beshear announced the new task force hat was created by executive order. Beshear says the Office of Unemployment Insurance is also working to strengthen security measures. Those filing new claims will have to create more complex PIN numbers and will only be paid by paper check.
The Tennessee Department of Health reported 523 new cases of COVID-19 there, along with seven new deaths. The positivity rate in the Volunteer State is at 5.13 percent.