Speaking to the interim Kentucky Health and Human Services Delivery System Task Force Monday, Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack said the mechanisms to test for, treat, and protect against COVID-19 are becoming more akin to routine operations. As for the broader picture, he said, "Despite and because of COVID, the Kentucky public health system is better off today than it was a few years ago."
Asked where Kentucky stands should another health emergency like COVID occur, Stack pointed to the uniqueness of the coronavirus, noting the total lack of immunity in the general population and the absence of treatments or vaccines at the outset. Other, more familiar threats on the horizon — while serious — we would likely be more prepared for, he said.
"For those, I think we have a better, more strengthened network," Stack answered.
Something like another COVID might be a different story, however. The commissioner said human nature plays an outsized role when officials begin taking more drastic steps.
"If we had another brand new infection that all of humanity had never seen again, I hope we would do better, but I would just say that what really was difficult then was not just the lack of knowledge. It was just (that) many of us look at the world and we just see it differently and it becomes divisive," Stack commented.
The leading health official he hopes the state would do its best to recognize the situations that call for more serious public health responses.