Vaccinations begin in Kentucky’s long-term care facilities

LOUISVILLE, Ky (AP) — Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has said that several Kentucky long-term care facilities have begun vaccinating their residents. Deaths in the state’s assisted living and nursing homes account for two-thirds of Kentucky’s coronavirus death toll. The governor said Monday that vaccinations for those groups should be finished by early March, preventing many more deaths. Kentucky reports 1,988 new confirmed coronavirus cases Monday and 15 COVID-19 related deaths. Just over 1,500 Kentuckians are hospitalized with the virus. The state public health commissioner has urged Kentuckians to give priority to older and more high-risk individuals as vaccination opportunities open up in coming months.