Gov. Andy Beshear says the state is prepared to lift most virus-related capacity restrictions if Kentucky can reach 2.5 million vaccinations.
Around 1.5 million Kentuckians have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine so far. If the commonwealth can reach 2.5 million, Beshear said the state will end capacity limits, distancing restrictions, and curfews for restaurants and bars, along with nearly all venues and events that cater to fewer than a thousand people.
"This is what you've been waiting for," Beshear announced in Louisville. "A clear number and a clear goal to hit, where yes, we'll still wear masks until we have control over this variant and while the major, major events we will still have to address in different ways, this is when you know those capacity restrictions will end."
The governor says the state could hit the goal by as early as three and a half weeks, but more likely between four to six weeks.
The challenge comes as Kentucky sees a shift in momentum in the vaccination campaign — with thousands of once highly-sought-after vaccine appointments now growing harder to fill. The governor has urged Kentuckians waiting to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine not to postpone vaccination, citing smaller-than-expected shipments of the single dose vaccine.
