FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 7, 2022) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear said that there has been a substantial decrease in Kentucky’s new COVID-19 cases, however deaths remain high.
“For the most part we have good news today. Cases are significantly, if not rapidly, declining,” said Gov. Beshear. “We believe the weather and a lot of places closing for a number of days last week did have an impact. This may make the drop in cases look a little bit larger than it would otherwise be. Regardless, we are definitely moving in the right direction.”
The Governor added, “This is still the fifth highest week in our entire COVID experience. So while we are moving in the right direction, there is still a whole lot of virus out there. We ask people to be careful in the next couple weeks. Next month we may see really serious reductions which might get us to a place we can all be really excited about.”
COVID-19 Case Information, Vaccinations Update
Number of people who have received at least one vaccine dose in Kentucky: 2,862,756
Number of people who have received their vaccination booster in Kentucky: 1,044,257
Feb. 5, Cases: 4,816
Feb. 5, Deaths: 33
Feb. 6, Cases: 3,696
Feb. 6, Deaths: 31
New Cases Today: 3,835
New Deaths: 29
Today’s Positivity Rate: 23.51%
Current Hospitalizations: 2,124
Current Intensive Care Admittances: 414
Currently on Ventilators: 207
During the week ending Feb. 6, 46,639 cases were reported in Kentucky and the average test positivity rate was 23.95%.
The Governor reviewed a slide from the CDC and said that the use of face masks or respirators is recommended to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Wearing a mask in indoor public spaces lowers the odds of testing positive for COVID-19.
The Governor said that Pfizer and BioNTech are requesting emergency use authorization for their two-dose COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 6 months up to 5 years. The FDA’s advisory committee will meet February 15 to discuss the submission.
Super Bowl Guidance
The Governor provided tips to enjoy Super Bowl Sunday safely. Gov. Beshear encouraged Kentuckians to:
- Stay home if sick;
- Require attendees to be vaccinated and boosted;
- Get tested that day, or as close as possible;
- Wear masks if everyone is not vaccinated; and
- Maintain a smaller attendance size.
Gov. Beshear Announces Team Kentucky Homeowner Assistance Fund
The Governor announced that he partnered with Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) to launch the Team Kentucky Homeowner Assistance Fund, a program that can help homeowners impacted by the pandemic rebound and avoid foreclosure. The program is funded through $85.4 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds that the commonwealth received to protect homeowners impacted by COVID-19. To learn more, see the full release.
The Governor also reminded Kentucky renters who suffered financially due to COVID-19 that the $264 million Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund is still in place to assist them with housing and utility payments. At least $95.7 million remains available to assist Kentucky renters. To learn more and apply for assistance, visit TeamKYHHERF.ky.gov.
Abandoned Mine Lands Program
Today, we learned that through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Kentucky will have more than $74 million available to help reclaim abandoned mines through the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program.
“We have shown and continue to show great ingenuity and creativity in creating the jobs of the future – and this funding will create the jobs to reclaim these abandoned mine lands, making them safe and usable,” said Gov. Beshear. “And once that’s done, we will work to fill those spaces with industries that will keep jobs in the region.”
In the weeks ahead, the federal government will issue more guidance on how to apply for the funds so that Kentucky can begin addressing outstanding reclamation needs.
Tyson Foods Breaks Ground at Site of New Bacon Plant in Bowling Green
On Feb. 2, Gov. Beshear joined leaders from Tyson Foods and local officials in Warren County to break ground on Tyson’s new $355 million bacon production facility, which will create 450 jobs and meet growing demand for the company’s iconic Wright and Jimmy Dean brands. To learn more, see the full release.
Team Western Kentucky Relief Fund
The Governor also said that the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund has now paid more than $1.2 million in assistance payments to 425 uninsured homeowners and more than $559,000 in assistance payments to 693 uninsured renters who registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In January, the Governor announced that the state would apply the funds to add 20% on top of what FEMA awards in individual assistance for uninsured homeowners and renters impacted by the storms. The FEMA registration deadline is Feb. 11, 2022, so additional payments may occur. The first fund expenditures paid for the funerals of the 77 storm victims. More than $43 million remains in the fund, and the Governor will continue to provide updates on how the fund will be used to support long-term recovery efforts.
