Governor Beshear admits opinions may vary about determining timing for coronavirus vaccinations.
During Thursday’s briefing, the governor said the word “essential” could mean different things to different people. But, he said he’s steadfastly committed to seeing residents in long term care a top priority. “We have a moral obligation to prioritize them for this vaccine, a moral obligation. And nobody tell me that these folks are old and therefore shouldn’t get it first. Uh-uh. Every day, every week, every year that we’re on earth is a gift and it’s important to each and every one of our family members,” said Beshear.
Kentucky Public Health Commissioner Steven Stack believes restrictions in place over the last few weeks for places like restaurants, bars, gyms, and entertainment venues have helped to slow coronavirus cases. Still, Stack said the full impact of holiday get-togethers may not be known yet. “I think the actions we took in these last few weeks have clearly had the beneficial effect we hoped and now we have to see how much of our choices over Thanksgiving undoes or undermines the other successes we’ve had,” said Stack.
Stack also used the briefing to show a map identifying four hospital preparedness regions where intensive care beds are running low.
Kentucky did see a record number of one-day cases Thursday at 4,324 and an additional 28 deaths. Governor Beshear noted the positivity rate declined to 9.1%.
Beshear was asked, if he would still run for Governor knowing what he knows now. He said yes, he would do it again. Beshear said he wanted to help people, but didn’t envision it in a pandemic.
The governor concluded Thursday’s hour plus briefing by saying in an apparent reference to length of terms, quote, “I’m honored to be your governor, looking forward to the next three or seven.”
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