More COVID vaccine locations open next week in Kentucky as winter weather creates problems for expected vaccine shipments. Governor Andy Beshear revealed on Thursday that some shipments of the Moderna vaccine have not arrived. “It may cause some supply issues at some of our regional sites,” he said, “especially our new ones.” However, the state is moving ahead with plans to expand vaccination locations in preparation of future shipments.
Regional sites open next week in the following locations:
- The Medical Center in Albany
- Trigg County Hospital in Cadiz
- Taylor Regional Hospital in Campbellsville
- Ohio County Hospital in Hartford
- Crittenden Community Hospital in Marion
- Buffalo Trace Health Department in Maysville
These locations complement regional sites already in operation. More Kroger and Walmart locations will also open next week, and the state is supplying vaccines to an increased number of health departments. Additionally, the federal government is providing extra vaccines directly to some Walgreens and independent pharmacies in the state. In all, Kentucky anticipates having 291 locations administering the vaccine beginning on Monday. You can see all the vaccine locations at kycovid19.ky.gov and find out when you qualify to receive a shot at vaccine.ky.gov or by calling the state’s vaccine hotline (855-598-2246).
Kentucky will allow limited visitation within non-Medicare certified long-term care facilities. No more than one person, or two people from the same household, may visit, and visitors must have received either both doses of the COVID vaccine or a negative COVID test within the past 72 hours. Anyone visiting a facility will have to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, including wearing a mask.
Thursday’s COVID report included 963 new cases ‒ the lowest Thursday total since October 8 ‒ a 7.07% positivity rate and 37 deaths.
Kentucky extended the deadline for people to participate in the Broadband Initiative, a statewide effort to test internet speeds in all communities. People can test their internet speed at speedtest.ky.gov. Folks who do not have internet can also visit the website when in an accessible area and report the lack of broadband at their address. The online testing site will run through March 1.
