Elevated COVID-19 cases persist in Kentucky, but Gov. Andy Beshear says early signs suggest the state's current surge may be losing some steam, with vaccines just around the corner.
Tuesday's 3,114 new cases marked a decrease of more than 1,000 from the previous Tuesday, leading to a more hopeful assessment by the governor.
"We believe that the exponential growth that we are seeing is slowing, and we absolutely believe that the steps we are taking are the primary factor in that slowing of growth," Beshear said.
Adding to news of greater-than-expected COVID-19 deliveries this month was the announcement that all acute care hospitals in Kentucky would be receiving some portion of the state's vaccine shipments by the week of December 20th. As the supplies gradutally ramp up, the governor urged patience.
"We know we're now dealing with months, probably late summer at the very latest, where we can protect everybody who wants to be protected," Beshear closed his daily briefing. "So let's get there."
The first shipment of the Pfizer vaccine is due in Kentucky early next week.
TUESDAY KENTUCKY COVID-19 NUMBERS:
- 3,114 new cases
- 20 deaths
- 9.60% positivity rate
- 1,760 hospitalized
- 416 in ICU
- 207 on ventilator