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National Guard activated to help COVID-strained hospitals in Kentucky





Gov. Andy Beshear says that he has deployed more Kentucky National Guard members to 30 health care facilities, beginning this week. A total of 445 guard members will provide assistance at hospitals and food banks. The Democratic governor says that the deployment “is not going to be solely voluntary” and that some people will receive military orders to help with the pandemic-related efforts. Karyn Czar has the latest.

Last week, there were 52,603 positive tests for COVID-19 in the state. Governor Andy Beshear says the rise in cases is “a straight line up” and hospitals are again feeling the strain.

The Omicron variant is believed to account for about 95% of cases in the state and while it is less severe than the Delta variant, Beshear says at this rate of infection, it could prove as deadly with the unvaccinated being hit the hardest. Beshear has deployed the National Guard to assist hospitals that are struggling with nursing shortages because of burn-out and COVID infections among staff.

Karyn Czar joined the WUKY News team July 1, 2013, but she's no stranger to radio.