FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — During his Monday press conference, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that 1,268 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Kentucky. After the removal of duplicates, the 1,268 new cases brings Kentucky's COVID-19 case total to 347,836.
"While Mondays are typically the lowest days of the week, today we have the lowest number of new cases in the last four weeks," Gov. Beshear noted.
Monday's positivity rate is 9.93%.
Gov. Beshear also announced 39 new coronavirus-related deaths, bringing Kentucky's coronavirus-related death total to 3,460.
"We are still experiencing the number of deaths that correlates with that surge," Gov. Beshear said. "Remeber, they trail a month or so behind when we see a large number of cases. So our hope is that as cases decline, we will see a decline in those we are losing."
As of Monday, 1,539 Kentuckians are hospitalized for coronavirus-related reasons, 374 of which are in the ICU and 203 of which are on a ventilator.
Vaccine update
Gov. Beshear announced that Kentucky has administered 88% of all initial vaccine doses sent to the state’s vaccination program.
“Just last week, we administered the most doses we ever have, including second doses – 93,499 – and vaccinated the most people we ever have with initial doses – 82,511 people,” said Gov. Beshear. “The problem here is supply, supply, supply. We can vaccinate 250,000 Kentuckians per week, and we’re still building up our capabilities, but we’re only getting 56,000 new doses per week from the federal government.
“Fortunately, we believe that all long-term care facilities, skilled nursing homes and assisted living facilities have received their first doses of the vaccine. If there is any remaining facility that has not received it, call the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and we will make sure to raise that with CVS or Walgreens so we can correct it immediately.”
This Thursday, Gov. Beshear said he will provide an update on how Kentuckians in Phase 1A, 1B and 1C can sign up for an appointment at new regional Kroger vaccination centers as well as other partner locations.
