LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky reported 710 new coronavirus cases and 10 more virus-related deaths Wednesday as the governor continued to stress the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
More than 1.8 million Kentuckians have received at least their first dose of vaccine, according to the state's online dashboard. As more people get vaccinated, it will "be safer" to lift more virus-related restrictions, Gov. Andy Beshear said.
"Because so many Kentuckians have rolled up their sleeves for these vaccines, these shots of hope, we’ve been able to increase capacity in most businesses to 60% and return child care classrooms to their traditional sizes,” the governor said in a news release. “We’ve been able to shorten and simplify 'Healthy at Work' minimum requirements. We’ve been able to lift the mask mandate for smaller, outdoor events. That’s all because of you."
Anyone 16 or older is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Kentucky. For more information on where you can get vaccinated, click here.
Once 2.5 million Kentuckians receive at least their first COVID-19 shot, Beshear has pledged to lift capacity and physical distancing restrictions for nearly all businesses, venues and events catering to 1,000 or fewer patrons. He has indicated he will consider relaxing more restrictions before the vaccination target is reached.
The state said Wednesday that 420 virus patients are hospitalized in Kentucky, including 111 in intensive care units. The statewide rate of positive cases was 3.57%.
For most people, COVID-19 causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks. The vast majority of people recover. Of the state's 337,430 confirmed cases reported since March 2020, at least 51,666 have recovered, according to a report from Kentucky Public Health.
But for others, especially older adults and those with existing health problems, the virus can cause severe symptoms and be fatal.
To find a COVID-19 testing location near you, click here.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2021 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
