Governor Beshear says he’s confident a coronavirus vaccine will be available in Kentucky in early 2021. During his daily briefing, the governor said it could arrive even in mid-December.
Kentucky Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack said the first doses will go to health care workers, first responders, and high risk populations. For many Kentuckians, it will be some time later before they will likely get vaccinated. “And for the typical American, you’re unlikely to have access to the vaccine really until mid to late winter, probably early summer. But, hopefully it will ramp up very quickly from there forward and everybody who will want to have the vaccine can have it,” said Stack.
Governor Beshear reported 647 cases, the highest level for a Monday. The governor announced nine additional deaths. He was asked whether he is considering any additional restrictions or even shutdowns. “We’re not currently looking at any more restrictions, but we have got to get these numbers going down. If not, I fully anticipate that the White House will ask us to again reduce bars and restaurants. It’s something we don’t want to do,” explained Beshear.
Beshear said support of those small businesses can be done by wearing a mask in public. Regarding hospital bed space, the governor said currently capacity is not an issue for inpatient beds, intensive care, or ventilators. On the question of re-establishing a field hospital, Beshear noted the operation in Louisville is undergoing dismantling, but could be put back up with short notice.?
Beshear also spoke about a new $15 million relief fund for Kentuckians at risk of natural gas, water, waste water, or electric service disconnection.
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