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Kentucky Public Health Commissioner: State is Seeing an Increase In COVID Cases

Stu Johnson | WEKU

Kentucky is seeing an increase in coronavirus cases.  State Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack said Thursday the latest tally revealed about 100 new cases more than the week before.

Stack said the coronavirus positivity rate has gone up more than one percent over that time. “The positivity rate is going up and the cases are going up. Now the real question will be: will the vaccines help to keep those at lower levels, and will it keep the hospitals and the ICU’S from getting filled up, and will it keep people safe and protected serious permanent harm and or death?” 

While there are 26 confirmed Delta variant COVID-19 cases in the Commonwealth, state officials believe the true number of Delta cases is higher.

Dr. Stack said it’s not yet known whether a booster shot will be needed before the end of the year. About half of Kentucky’s overall population has received at least one shot of the vaccine.  Gov. Andy Beshear noted the vaccination activity is not trailing off and current hospital capacity is in good shape.    

Beshear also announced 11 finalists have been selected to submit plans for a permanent coronavirus memorial on the Capitol grounds.  Flags from the current memorial can be collected next week before they are removed Friday, July 16.  

 

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