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A Dose Of Reality On Vaccines, As Kentucky Nears Record COVID-19 Totals

AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth

Kentucky logged its third highest daily increase in COVID-19 cases Thursday. The report came as the state's top health official warned against overly optimistic predictions about a vaccine.

While the commonwealth's positivity rate inched downward, Gov. Andy Beshear delivered some discouraging news: 903 new positives and 10 more deaths attributed to the virus.

"This week is going to be probably the single largest week we've had for losing Kentuckians," the governor forecast.

The stats had both Beshear and Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack appealing to listeners to exercise caution over the Labor and Derby Day weekend.

Commenting on press reports that the CDC is prepping states for the possible distribution of a vaccine to high-risk groups as early as late October or November, Dr. Stack said Kentucky will not be recommending a vaccine for virtually anyone this calendar year.

"There are some really good and incredible things that have been done to accelerate the progression for how quickly we can get a vaccine, but there are some corners that can't be cut," Stack said.

The commissioner said there is active collaboration between local, state, and federal government to formulate plans for deployment when a "safe and reliable vaccine is available." 

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.
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