Governor Beshear says the pace of vaccinations across the Commonwealth needs to pick up. To that end, he said during his coronavirus briefing Monday, the goal is to administer 90% of all vaccine doses received in the state within seven days of arrival.
Beshear said the aim is to meet that goal within each tiered group in various phases. But, Kentucky Public Health Commissioner Steven Stack said that may not always be the case. “It does mean that someone who is 45 and has no medical problems may get vaccinated before someone who is over 70 and has a medical problem. It means that someone in the general public is gonna get vaccinated before someone who’s a healthcare personnel gets vaccinated,” said Stack.
The governor said more than 60,000 vaccine doses have already been administered in Kentucky. Beshear said Kentuckians will be given injections in four phases. Currently, shots are being administered to front line care givers and those in long term care, and some first responders. The next phase covers first responders, K-12 school personnel, and those over 70.?
Governor Beshear noted the state should be preparing to expand its economy in a post-pandemic period. The governor will be offering his budget recommendations to Kentucky lawmakers Wednesday night. Beshear said he thinks the Commonwealth will be attractive to investors. “Our opportunities in the second half of this year may be greater than we ever imagined. A world where the density of New York or LA is no longer attractive. A world where more people can work remotely. A world where Kentucky has more chances than ever before,” explained Beshear.
When asked about unemployment claims, the governor said tens of thousands of Kentuckians are still waiting for relief, some for several months. He said work is underway to update the state system.
Beshear reported 2319 cases Monday along with 26 additional deaths. The positivity rate is just above 11%. The governor said it’s still too soon to say if the 11% rate is a sign of increasing spread.
If you appreciate access to this important content during this global pandemic, please help us continue to provide public service journalism and information to Central and Eastern Kentucky communities. Please make your contribution to WEKU today.
