FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky needs to accelerate its COVID-19 vaccination pace, Gov. Andy Beshear said Thursday as he reported nearly 800 new coronavirus cases statewide.
More than 1.75 million Kentuckians have received at least their first dose of vaccine, Beshear said. That leaves about 750,000 people still needing to get vaccinated to meet a goal set by the governor to remove capacity and physical distancing restrictions at many businesses.
“Every day, thousands more Kentuckians get their shot of hope, but we need to accelerate our progress,” Beshear said in a news release. “The sooner more Kentuckians get vaccinated, the faster we can lift more restrictions.”
Anyone 16 or older is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Kentucky.
Once 2.5 million Kentuckians receive at least their first shot, Beshear has pledged to lift capacity and physical distancing restrictions for nearly all businesses, venues and events catering to 1,000 or fewer patrons.
The state reported 796 new coronavirus cases and 12 virus-related deaths Thursday, including two deaths discovered through the state’s audit of deaths from previous months.
The statewide rate of positive cases was 3.12%.
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