Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear gave an update on tornado recovery efforts in western Kentucky and on the COVID-19 pandemic in the state as whole Monday afternoon.
Starting with the recovery update, Governor Beshear reported that the death toll from December 10’s devastating tornadoes that struck Mayfield, Dawson Springs and other communities is now at 77.
Marion County has been added to the disaster declaration for individual assistance and public assistance, bringing the total to 16 counties. This means that residents in Marion County can now apply for FEMA assistance. The governor says that people do seem to be taking advantage of their resources, which is a good thing as he will help recovery efforts, and there are more than 11,400 validated registrants with over $4.7 million approved so far. He encouraged those who need to, apply as soon as possible.
Kentucky State Parks are providing housing and food services for 606 displaced Kentuckians and 154 first responders.
In the COVID-19 update, the governor reported there were 1,946 new cases reported on Christmas Day, along with 34 deaths, Sunday saw 981 cases and 22 deaths, and then Monday added 1,342 cases and 17 deaths. The positivity rate jumped up to 11.80 percent, the highest it has been since the summer. Governor Beshear says omicron is proving to be very highly contagious, and the best way to keep yourself from becoming badly sick or worse is by getting vaccinated.
The number of deaths in the Commonwealth has passed another grim milestone, now at 12,074—on the COVID-19 state incidence rate map, Christian County is listed as ‘orange’, while surrounding counties, including Todd and Trigg, are in the ‘red’.