Governor Andy Beshear plans to close the road between the Capitol and the Capitol Annex. The announcement came during a Monday afternoon COVID-19 news conference. Beshear cited safety concerns and a recommendation from the Kentucky State Police to close the drive. The governor said he intends to turn the area into green space.

“It has been reviewed as a security concern and as a threat for being far too close both to the Capitol and the Annex. Legislators have been briefed, and security groups have been consulted. This is one we want to do before there is a tragedy and not wait until after,” he said.

People looking to park in the Capitol garage will still be able to enter on River Road.

Beshear also updated the state’s pandemic statistics. He reported 88 deaths combined from Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, with total deaths equaling 8,339. A 22-year-old man from Carter County was among those reported as having died from the coronavirus this weekend.

Monday’s death toll totaled 17, with Beshear reporting 2,075 new cases, a positivity rate of 12.18%, 2,254 people hospitalized, 654 patients in intensive care, and 452 Kentuckians breathing with the assistance of a ventilator.

Medical staff has now administered the vaccine to 2,652,144 Kentuckians, and 59% of all residents have received at least one dose.

The administration released new guidance on Monday for K-12 schools. These recommendations mimic past orders, including vaccinations for eligible students, universal masking for indoor school settings, providing COVID-19 testing for students and staff, and collaboration between schools and local health departments.