FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 17, 2021) – On Monday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced 1,927,168 people have received at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in Kentucky.
“Overall, 54% of all Kentucky adults and 80% of Kentuckians 65 and older now have at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine,” said Gov. Beshear. “And for more good news, Kentuckians as young as 12 have started getting their shots of hope.”
On May 28, all indoor and outdoor events of any size and businesses of any capacity can increase to 75% capacity.
Just two weeks later, the state’s emerging economy is set for liftoff as final capacity restrictions related to COVID-19 end Friday, June 11. The same day, the state will also eliminate the mask mandate for all Kentuckians with the exceptions of places where people are the most vulnerable.
Gov. Beshear said the proven effectiveness of vaccinations and expanded vaccine eligibility to include 12- to 15-year-olds is allowing the commonwealth to safely and sustainably ease restrictions.
Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Monday, May 17, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:
People vaccinated in Kentucky (have received at least one dose): 1,927,168
New cases today: 285
Positivity rate: 2.78%
For more information on cases and hospital capacity, see the full daily COVID-19 report. To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.
The top five counties by percent of residents vaccinated are: Woodford (57%), Franklin (56%), Fayette (54%), Scott (48%) and Campbell (47%).
The bottom five counties by percent of residents vaccinated are: Christian (18%), Spencer (18%), Ballard (20%), McCreary (21%) and Lewis (21%).
Kentucky’s New Job Announcements, Wages Continue Upward Trend
The commonwealth’s economic outlook continues to rebound, as the number of new jobs announced by private-sector businesses trends upward, Gov. Beshear said today. Year-to-date, businesses have announced the planned and ongoing creation of nearly 2,750 full-time, Kentucky-resident jobs. That figure nearly doubles the 1,430 jobs announced throughout the same span in 2020. To learn more, see the full release.
The positive news comes after the Governor joined two major economic development events last week, the Log Still Distillery Tasting Room ribbon-cutting and the T. Marzetti Co. groundbreaking for the company’s $133 million, 220-job expansion.
More Information
To see all vaccination sites and free transportation options to and from vaccination appointments, visit vaccine.ky.gov. To see a list of vaccination sites that have openings this week, visit vaccinemap.ky.gov. If Kentuckians have questions, they should call the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246 or TTY 855-326-4654 (for deaf or hard-of-hearing Kentuckians).
For detailed information on COVID-19 vaccinations and more, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.
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