With the June 11 reopening date for Kentucky quickly approaching, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that nearly 1.99 million residents have received at least their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine.
About 42,000 Kentuckians 12- to 17-years-old have received the vaccine, and more than 80 percent of people ages 65 and older have been vaccinated. Officials said 60 percent of residents 50 to 64 have received a vaccine.
The vaccination rate, though, drops to 30 percent among Kentuckians ages 18 to 29.
In total, about 45 percent of all Kentuckians have been vaccinated.
Prior to the state reopening, on Friday, all events and businesses with 1,000 or fewer people may increase to 75 percent capacity. Also on Friday, indoor and outdoor events with more than 1,000 people will also be allowed 75 percent capacity.
“After a long, dark pandemic – more of our people have gotten their shot of hope, and we have steadily moved to lift the last remaining restrictions put in place to slow the spread of this dangerous virus and save lives,” Beshear previously said. “Team Kentucky: your patience, hard work and sacrifices have paid off. For those not vaccinated: you still have time.”
On Monday, the governor reported 263 new coronavirus cases and four deaths in Kentucky over the previous 24 hours. The commonwealth has now had 456,053 cases of the virus confirmed since the onset of the pandemic, and 6,720 deaths.
The rolling seven-day positivity rate dropped from 2.64 percent on Sunday to 2.61 percent Monday.
Beshear said 343 patients are hospitalized, with 101 being treated in intensive care; 71 victims are on ventilators.
(Photo: Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman after receiving a vaccine)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
