While this winter weather poses concerns for the Commonwealth over the next 48 hours, Governor Andy Beshear turned most of his attention to the COVID-19 variant “Omicron” during Thursday’s “Team Kentucky” update — citing record testing positivity and new caseloads as long-term problems for state hospitals.
With the Kentucky National Guard just deployed to help the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in this winter weather, Beshear noted he could once again turn to the state’s military reserves to supplement hospitals if “Omicron” continues to rumble.
As of Thursday, state health officials reported 9,836 new cases and testing positivity at 23.67% — in what was a third-straight day of records and increases.
With nearly 1-in-4 individuals testing positive for COVID-19, Beshear said state hospitals haven’t been able to leave the brink.
While more than 67% of the state’s eligible population, and 74% of those 18 and older, have gotten at least one vaccination, Beshear continues to urge families to consider vaccines for those 11 and younger, and those aged between 25 and 40 — two demographics that remain sluggish across the state.
Furthemore, Beshear noted that the Center for Disease Control recently endorsed boosters for children 12 and older — a key demographic in regards to protection within school settings.
Though “Omicron” does seem to be scientifically considered as a “weaker” variant than “Delta” and the original virus, Beshear said emergency rooms across Kentucky have been inundated with those seeking testing and quick addressing of symptoms.
Some of these cases have been referred to ICUs and ventilators, Beshear said, though those trends don’t seem to be as exponential with “Omicron” — which is now the main variant in Kentucky.
Vaccines, wearing masks indoors and booster shots are things Beshear continues to note as important pieces of the health platform.
Beshear’s Thursday update wasn’t all bad news regarding the state’s snowstorm and COVID-19 surge. According to some key statistics, all 120 counties saw a decrease in unemployment rates from the 2020 fiscal year as compared to 2021.
Beshear said he will present his budget at the Kentucky General Assembly next week, and will continue to monitor what’s delivered to the floor in the coming days.
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