Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear says some vaccinated people should start wearing masks again as the delta variant is increasing COVID-19 cases across the state. Beshear says he strongly recommends masking indoors for anyone at high risk due to pre-existing conditions, and anyone in a job that puts them in contact with lots of people.
"Given that we have seen an increase in breakthrough cases, we want you to be protected," Beshear said. "Even if this is out of an abundance of caution, we think we have seen enough data to make this recommendation."
Beshear says vaccinated people are still far less likely to contract the virus, but breakthrough cases are on the rise along with unvaccinated cases.
All but 10 counties in the state have less than 50% of the population vaccinated. Statewide, only a third of 18- to 29-year-olds have gotten at least one dose.
"These are adults," Beshear said. "We need them to make the adult decision, the responsible decision, to get vaccinated."
Beshear says clusters are also driving the recent increase in virus cases. Health officials have identified 34 case clusters so far in July, responsible for at least 330 new cases — compared to just 12 clusters in the entire month of June.
Clusters identified in July include:
- Camp: 4 clusters, 57 cases
- Child daycare: 1 cluster, 8 cases
- Congregate setting: 1 cluster, 9 cases
- General business: 5 clusters, 37 cases
- Place of worship: 5 clusters, 70 cases
- Social event: 2 clusters, 13 cases
- Travel: 4 clusters, 62 cases
