Governor Beshear says if data presenting the effectiveness of two coronavirus vaccines at more than 90% holds up, it amounts to what he calls a “miracle.” During his briefing Monday, the governor said the state expects to see the first shipment of 38,000 doses in a couple weeks or so. Long term care residents and front line caregivers will be the first to get injections.
When it comes time for the general populous in Kentucky to be vaccinated, Beshear said the vaccine will be sent to communities all across the Commonwealth. “And the goal is eventually to have enough providers everywhere in the state where the only decisions that we have to make is how many each time and what direction. What I hope is that it can be like testing and we can have that many locations,” said Beshear.
Beshear noted he’s confident about the safety of the new vaccines, adding that he and his family plan to get immunized. The governor expressed optimism the vaccines could virtually end the loss of COVID related deaths in long term care facilities. State Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack also has high hopes for the vaccines. “If these are 95% effective, that is absolutely remarkable and a real testimony to modern medical science and our ability to do things that humanity never before could do and certainly not at this pace,” explained Stack.
The governor reported 2,124 new cases of COVID-19 Monday along with 12 deaths. The positivity rate climbed to 9.4%.
The governor also announced the startup of the application process for support through the Team Kentucky Food and Beverage Relief Fund. More than 2000 eligible restaurants and bars have submitted applications, requesting nearly $19 million in aid.
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