Right now the U.S. is not even halfway to herd immunity, and Kentucky is even farther from it, with only 29% of the state's population fully vaccinated and 39% having received at least one dose of a vaccine.
The COVID-19 pandemic affected lives all over the world in many different ways, but one of the most pressing and troubling outcomes is the rising reports of child abuse, domestic abuse and sexual abuse.
Anti-smoking groups have long called for this ban, supported by research that shows Big Tobacco has deliberately targeted Black communities, especially youth, with marketing menthol cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products.
Corporate giants and startups alike plan to offer a dizzying array of test options, most costing between $10 and $110. Their screening accuracy varies, as does the way consumers get results.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that at least 5,800 people had fallen ill or tested positive for the coronavirus two weeks or more after they completed both doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine. A total of about 78 million Americans are now fully vaccinated.
The poll found that 71% of adults had already been vaccinated or planned on getting a vaccine. If all of them follows through, it would get Kentucky to herd immunity.
The Christian County Health Department said it will shift to administering only the Moderna vaccine while federal officials investigate reports of a rare but severe condition in people who took the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The governor said reaching that goal would also mean the end of physical-distancing requirements and required closing times for bars and restaurants, an issue that sparked yet another lawsuit against him last week.
State officials are urging — and in some case begging — everyone who is eligible for the vaccine to get it so Kentucky can achieve herd immunity against COVID-19.
Beshear suggested that on Monday, he would give Kentuckians a broad incentive to get a shot: set a vaccination level at which he would remove capacity restrictions, even for events of up to 1,000 people.
