As vaccinations slowly creep up, COVID cases down but not going away

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – Kentucky’s new COVID case numbers may continue to be down slightly from last week, but they haven’t gone away. Meanwhile, the number of people who have received at least their first dose of a COVID vaccine continues to rise slowly.

On Tuesday, the reported 1,932,189 unique persons vaccinated in Kentucky and a positivity rate at 2.79%, almost unchanged from Monday’s 2.78%.

The governor also reported 645 new cases and of those, 133 were in people under 18. The state recorded 11 new deaths, bringing the total since March 2020 to 6,673.

Among other key indicators, 390 people are in the hospital, 113 in ICU and 53 on ventilators.

For more on Tuesday’s report visit KyCovid19.Ky.gov.

On May 28, all indoor and outdoor events of any size and businesses of any capacity can increase to 75% capacity.

Just two weeks later, the state’s emerging economy is set for liftoff as final capacity restrictions related to COVID-19 end Friday, June 11.

The same day, the state will also eliminate the mask mandate for all Kentuckians with the exceptions of places where people are the most vulnerable.

Beshear said the proven effectiveness of vaccinations and expanded vaccine eligibility to include 12- to 15-year-olds is allowing the commonwealth to safely and sustainably ease restrictions.

The top five counties by percent of residents vaccinated are: Woodford (57%), Franklin (56%), Fayette (54%), Scott (48%) and Campbell (47%).

The bottom five counties by percent of residents vaccinated are: Christian (18%), Spencer (18%), Ballard (20%), McCreary (21%) and Lewis (21%).

To see all vaccination sites and free transportation options to and from vaccination appointments, visit vaccine.ky.gov. To see a list of vaccination sites that have openings this week, visit vaccinemap.ky.gov. If Kentuckians have questions, they should call the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246 or TTY 855-326-4654 (for deaf or hard-of-hearing Kentuckians).

For detailed information on COVID-19 vaccinations and more, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.