Though the FDA approved Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine late Friday, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said hello will still be some time before it’s widely available within the commonwealth.
In an emailed release on Saturday, Beshear reiterated his previous intention to prioritize vaccinating front line health care workers and people in long-term healthcare facilities.
“It's morally imperative that people obtain the vaccine towards the most vulnerable Kentuckians first,” he said.
“Meanwhile, please carry on doing what you know is right: wear your mask, keep your distance from others and don't have large gatherings.”
Beshear announced 3,558 new cases of COVID-19 in Kentucky as of Saturday afternoon. Twenty-four more Kentuckians have lost their lives towards the virus, bringing the total to two,192 since the pandemic started.
Just over 1,711 people are hospitalized with the virus, with 423 in intensive care and 199 determined by ventilators. Kentucky State Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack said those numbers are concerning.
“Multiple Kentucky hospitals continue to be under strain and also the marketplace for available healthcare workers is becoming extremely tight as states round the nation experience massive COVID-19 surges, overwhelming their hospitals,” Stack said.
He urged anyone over 65 or with health issues to remain home whenever possible, “since leaving your house now places you at high-risk of contact with COVID-19.”
