On Monday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced 18 industries can increase capacity to 60% as the state completes its seventh straight week of declining COVID-19 cases.
The Governor reported the lowest number of new COVID-19 cases since Sept. 28 and the lowest positivity rate since Oct. 18.
“Today, we have more good news than at any time in the pandemic. We’ve never seen what we are seeing now in terms of a downward trend. Previously, we had experienced only three consecutive weeks of declining cases,” said Gov. Beshear. “COVID hospitalizations, ICU admittance and those needing a ventilator have either decreased or stabilized.
“This capacity increase is an initial step where we will watch and see to ensure we don’t see a corresponding increase in cases.”
The following businesses can now increase capacity to 60%:
Indoor auctions
Barbershops/cosmetology/hair salons
Bars and restaurants
Bowling alleys
Indoor educational and cultural activities
Fitness centers
Funeral and memorial services
Government offices/agencies
Massage therapy
Movie theaters
Nail salons
Office-based businesses
Places of worship (recommendation)
Retail
Tanning salons
Tattoo parlors
Vehicle and vessel dealerships
Venues and event spaces
The Governor said he intends to increase child care capacity to regular group size on March 15 if positive trends continue.
Gov. Beshear said the first Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses will be arriving in the state this week and delivered to independent pharmacies.
“The approval of Johnson & Johnson’s one-shot, highly effective vaccine adds to the growing weekly supply available to Kentucky that has risen in just over a month from around 57,000 to over 100,000 first doses and growing,” said Gov. Beshear.
“Independent pharmacies have been preparing for months and are eager to play a part in putting this pandemic to an end. Your independent pharmacies are always there to serve and provide for the communities we work in, live in, and go to church in,” said David Figg, chief executive officer of Rice’s Pharmacy in Ohio County. “This vaccine in our pharmacies is another way to ensure access in all corners of the state, even those that may struggle with transportation. We are committed to making sure every dose is utilized, and this Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a great third vaccine in our arsenal. We will not let the commonwealth down.”
The Governor reminded Kentuckians that starting today, individuals in Phase 1C can sign up for appointments at regional vaccination centers. To learn more about Kentucky’s 410 vaccination sites, visit http://vaccine.ky.gov or http://kycovid19.ky.gov/ky-covid-vaccine
“This week, we have already set a record by vaccinating more than 100,000 Kentuckians in a single week,” said Gov. Beshear. “As of today, we have vaccinated just under 700,000 Kentuckians – 16% of our total population and over 20% of our eligible population.”
The Governor reminded Kentuckians that public transit agencies across the commonwealth are offering free or reduced-cost transportation to and from vaccine appointments.
These services are already operating in over 90 counties, covering 75% of all counties across Kentucky. Kentuckians can find transportation services near them by heading to http://kycovid19.ky.gov
for a full list of participating public transit agencies and their phone numbers. Or, call the Kentucky COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246.
(provided by the Office of Gov. Andy Beshear)
