Kentucky is seeing an increase in coronavirus cases. State Public Health Commissioner Steven Stack reported Thursday the latest tally revealed about 100 new cases more than the week before.
Stack said the coronavirus positivity rate has gone up more than one percent over that time. “The positivity rate is going up and the cases are going up. Now the real question will be. Will the vaccines help to keep those at lower levels and will it keep the hospitals and the ICU’S from getting filled up and will it keep people safe and protected serious permanent harm and or death,” said Stack.
While there are 26 confirmed Delta variant COVID-19 cases in the Commonwealth, state officials believe more are out there.
Dr. Stack said it’s still to be determined if a booster shot will be needed before the end of the year. About half of Kentucky’s overall population has gotten at least one shot of the vaccine. Governor Andy Beshear noted the vaccination activity is not trailing off and current hospital capacity is in good shape.
Beshear also announced 11 finalists have been selected to submit plans for a permanent coronavirus memorial on the Capitol grounds. Flags from the current memorial can be collected next week before they are removed next Friday.
At Thursday's Team Kentucky Update, the governor was asked about 220 Kentucky National Guard soldiers being deployed to the Southwest U.S. later this year. Governor Beshear said it’s part of the Southwest Border Mission. The members will provide operational and logistics support. Beyond that, the governor said specifics are not pinned down. “At this point we can’t identify or disclose that. The notice that we got is subject to change. Our expectation is that we will be providing support to others on the border. And we have in the past,” explained Beshear.
Kentucky Guard Members will join an estimated 3000 other personnel requested from other states.
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