Kentucky is seeing rapid growth in new cases of COVID-19 and Governor Andy Beshear believes the more contagious Delta variant and vaccine hesitancy are to blame.
Kentukcy had over 1,000 new cases for the first time in about three months Tuesday and cases have been increasing for weeks—which Beshear believes is directly connected to the new variant.
No new mask mandate has been issues, but the governor again recommended that anyone who is unvaccinated to wear a mask when they are indoors and not at home.
Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack gave updated recommendations for red counties on the state COVID incidence rate map—which includes Hopkins and Muhlenberg—saying any large gatherings that are not postponed should be held outdoors.
Dr. Stack and Governor Beshear, more than anything else, encouraged Kentuckians to get vaccinated and to talk to their family doctor about any concerns or hesitancy they may have.