As COVID-19 appears to be continuing its rapid decline in Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear’s administration has offered new guidance that coincides with CDC guidance on how to move forward.
There were 1,602 new cases reported Saturday, along with 42 deaths—Sunday saw 481 cases and 22 deaths, and then Monday gained 671 new COVID cases and 34 newly reported deaths. The positivity rate fell even further, now down to 8.56 percent, and Governor Beshear says the number of people in the hospital seems to be quickly decreasing as well, which is all great news.
State employees will no longer be required to wear masks indoors, as it will become optional—though it will remain a necessity for agencies that work with vulnerable populations such as congregate care facilities.
Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack says it’s wise to base the decision on whether or not to wear a mask on each individual event or meeting, and he says to use good common sense moving forward.
He also says getting vaccinated or getting your booster shot remains important moving forward, not only to continue to protect yourself from the existing variants but any others that may develop.
In other news, the Governor announced that the federal government has approved a federal disaster declaration for the severe weather and tornadoes that hit the region on New Years Day, including Christian County.
The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance in that event is March 14.