FRANKFORT, Ky. - While covid remains a threat, we are no longer in crisis, says Gov. Andy Beshear in his last COVID briefing.
Beshear also signed an executive order ending all COVID-19 restrictions in Kentucky, including the mask mandate. Masks while still be required in some high-risk environments, such as long-term care facilities.
He announced as of Friday, over 2.1 million Kentuckians have received at least a first dose of vaccine. More than 50 percent of Kentuckians age 18 and over are fully vaccinated.
370,000 Kentuckians have registered for the Shot at a Million lottery so far, giving those vaccinated a chance at $1 million or a full-ride scholarships for higher education.
Beshear announced 237 new cases and nine deaths. The positivity rate is 2.05 percent. In the last federal coronavirus report he says Kentucky will receive, Kentucky has been moved from Red to Yellow status in terms of community transmission.
Beshear says that since the pandemic began, he gave 260 COVID briefings. An emotional Beshear said he "can't get away" from the more than 7,100 Kentuckians lost to the virus. The process has begun to build a permanent memorial for those victims.
Coming out of the pandemic, Beshear says we are on the cusp of unprecedented prosperity.
Photo Credit: Gov. Andy Beshear Facebook Page