Late Wednesday afternoon, Governor Andy Beshear announced one of the primary treatments for COVID-19 — monoclonal antibodies — is set to be rationed nationwide, due to its extreme demand in the fight against the pandemic.
On Thursday, Beshear noted this will certainly impact the Commonwealth, as state hospitals used more than 5,000 monoclonal antibody doses in the last week.
Rations, Beshear said, would likely cut Kentucky’s monthly supply between 4,000 and 4,500 per week for the foreseeable future.
Better than antibody treatment, however, comes a continued drive for vaccinations. Beshear said that more than 2.63 million Kentuckians now had at least one dose, with two counties — Woodford and Franklin — now above 70% in vaccinated population.
Of the state’s 96 hospitals, 66 of them remain in what Beshear labeled with “critical staffing concerns,” and for a third time in the pandemic, less than 100 ICU beds remain in the Commonwealth.
All three of those days have come in the last 60 days.
Beshear also reported 4,891 new cases, 62 more deaths and a 13% positivity rate attributed to Thursday, and Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack didn’t hesitate with concerns.
Beshear also noted the state has paid more than $65 million in rent and utility relief since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, with more than $51 million of that coming since March 2021. He is encouraging needy Kentuckians to apply for the remaining $152 million available for rent and utility assistance, in order to keep electricity, running water….and, soon…heat.
Kentucky specifically received $297 million in federal relief for three specific programs: one in Lexington, one in Louisville and one of the remainder of the state. Louisville received $22.8 million, while Lexington received about $9.6 million.
More than 17,000 utility and rent applications have been received through this process.
