Schools Urged to Open as Vaccine Sites Expand

Six new regional COVID vaccination clinics and other locations opening next week will increase the number of places in Kentucky offering a shot to 410. Governor Andy Beshear reported earlier in the week that the federal government continues to increase the state’s vaccine allocation, and he said that efforts continue to move into phase 1C next week.

New regional clinic sites open next week at the following locations:

  • Rockcastle County Hospital in Mount Vernon
  • Caldwell County Hospital in Princeton
  • Cumberland County Hospital in Burkesville
  • Baptist Health Richmond
  • Twin Lakes Regional Hospital in Leitchfield
  • Owensboro Health in Muhlenberg

You can learn more about Kentucky’s vaccine locations here.

Public health officials will begin vaccinating people in the 1C group on March 1. That phase currently includes anyone over the age of 60, anyone 16 or older with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highest-risk conditions, and all essential workers. You can learn which phase you qualify for at vaccine.ky.gov or by calling the state’s vaccine hotline (855-598-2246).

As more people receive a shot, including educators, the governor said it is time to start transitioning back to in-person instruction. Beshear issued an executive order on Tuesday that urges school districts, including private schools, to return to some form of in-person classes beginning March 1.

The state’s COVID numbers were consistent this week.

  • Monday ‒ 530 new cases, 13 deaths and a 6.6% positivity rate
  • Tuesday ‒ 1,497 new cases 16 deaths and a 6.3% positivity rate
  • Wednesday ‒ 1,306 new cases, 51 deaths and a 5.9% positivity rate
  • Thursday ‒ 1,447 new cases, 43 deaths and a 5.67% positivity rate