Key COVID indicators continue down for almost two weeks

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – The key indicators continue a slow decline while the number of people vaccinated against COVID continues a slow increase.

Wednesday, the announced 1,937,333 unique persons vaccinated in Kentucky. The Governor also reported 588 new cases of #COVID19 and a positivity rate that decreased to 2.77%. The numbers compared to 680 new cases on Wednesday, May 12, when the positivity rate was 3.08%

For more on Wednesday’s report, visit KyCovid19.Ky.gov.

Of the new cases Wednesday, 123 were in people under 18, which was below the 133 from Tuesday and the 132 the previous Wednesday.

The state recorded five new deaths, bringing the total since March 2020 to 6,678.

Among other key indicators, 378 people are in the hospital, which is down 12 from Tuesday, 108 are in ICU, down five from Tuesday, and 49 are on ventilators, down from 53 Tuesday.

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.