Kentucky is expanding the list of people who can get the COVID vaccine in Phase 1C, the group public health officials are currently vaccinating.

Beginning Monday, March 15, Phase 1C will include anyone with a medical condition that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists as leading to an increased risk for severe illness. Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack said the only exception will be smoking. You can access the CDC list here.

Indoor visitation at Medicare-certified long-term care facilities resumes March 15, with visitor health screenings. The state encourages visitors to be vaccinated or have a negative COVID test within 72 hours of arrival and to call ahead.

Kentucky’s vaccination efforts continue at more than 500 locations statewide. The state has currently vaccinated nearly 27% of the adult population.

The CDC released its first guidance this week for people who are fully vaccinated, saying they can have small private gatherings in their home with other individuals who are vaccinated without wearing masks.

Kentucky’s positivity rate continues to decline, from 4.06% on Monday to 3.95% on Thursday. Thursday’s report also included 1,211 new cases and 37 deaths.