Kentucky Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack says a noticeable move into the 1-C vaccination phase could take place next week.
Currently, most of the focus is on 1-B which includes K-12 school personnel and those 70 and over. Stack said citizens 60 and over should be prioritized in the next phase. “If you were to have vaccinated all persons 60 and over in the state of Kentucky, that alone accounts for more than 91% of all the deaths that have occurred in Kentucky from COVID-19,” said Stack.
Governor Beshear said vaccination distribution is expanding by 150 sites including six regional locations plus others at selected Kroger, Walmart stores, mobile clinics, Walgreen’s and independent pharmacies. He noted vaccine supply continues to be an issue, but added when more arrives in Kentucky, strategically placed distribution sites will be ready to better meet demand.
The state is using $264 million in federal funds to replenish the home eviction relief fund. The original initiative contained about $15 million in state funding. While admitting this much larger chunk of funding will go farther to help rent strapped Kentuckians, Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman couldn’t say it would eliminate all eviction issues. “It’s quite a bit of money there. But, we have so many Kentuckians that are in need of this. So, as far as we can stretch it, to make sure we serve as many Kentuckians as possible, is exactly what we’ll do,” explained Coleman.
Governor Beshear said eviction relief dollars can be used to pay rent as far back as last April as well as covering three months in future payments. The governor Thursday also announced 1880 new cases of coronavirus and 36 additional deaths. The state’s positivity rate stands at just over 7%.
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