State officials released two coronavirus related pieces of information Thursday involving long term care facilities. $6.7 million will go to establish a smart entry screening platform for all employees across 285 Kentucky Medicare certified nursing homes.
Also, Cabinet for Health and Family Services Inspector General Adam Mather said starting Monday restrictions for visitors to nursing homes will be eased. But, Governor Beshear says it’s a given some form of health safety measures will remain.
“We ought to expect to at least have some things as we go into these facilities to assure those coming in are healthy and aren’t going to spread disease for at least the near future,” said Beshear.
While declining coronavirus cases and increasing vaccinations offer promise for fewer COVID-19 health issues in the future, Kentucky’s public health commissioner says it’s not an invitation for global travel.
During the briefing, Dr. Steven Stack said the risk of virus transmission during international travel will likely remain for a while. “We have to be very careful about the international piece. I do think domestic travel in the United States, if uptake of the vaccine is really good in the next few months could look very different and we could have nice summer vacations and fall vacations. But, it’s just a little early to say that with certainty,” noted Stack.
The governor reported 1211 new cases of COVID-19 and 36 additional deaths. The positivity rate crept up slightly to 3.95%.
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