COVID-19

Kentucky residents age 18 and older are eligible for the vaccine.

Touch decreases cortisol levels, a hormone produced in response to stress. It decreases blood pressure, and it lowers a heart rate. It releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with connection and empathy.

Health officials said an increase in vaccine supplies made it possible to open up more appointments.

The latest survey shows around 50% to 55% of Kentuckians will get the vaccine when they can. To reach herd immunity, 75% to 80% is needed.

The Christian County Health Department announced it is extending the vaccine availability to everyone in Phase 2.

The health department will also continue to offer appointments to all Kentuckians in Phases 1A, 1B and 1C.

See how the first year of the coronavirus pandemic shaped the lives of Hopkinsville residents.

Molly Duke is among more than 6,000 Christian County residents who have contracted COVID-19 since the pandemic began a year ago. She was hospitalized and in rehab for eight weeks.

One year after the first case of COVID-19 was identified in Christian County, Hoptown Chronicle readers reflect on how the coronavirus pandemic continues to reshape their lives.

The vaccination eligibility in Kentucky is about to expand to those 50 and older.

The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky and the Kentucky Nurses Association are coordinating the campaign.

Kentucky ranked sixth in COVID-19 hospitalizations and seventh in virus-related deaths from March 5-11, according to a White House report.