During Thursday’s “Team Kentucky” update from Gov. Andy Beshear, the Kentucky Hospital Association, the Kentucky Medical Association and the Kentucky Nurses Station collaborated for a joint statement — urging the healthcare systems of the Commonwealth to amend existing vaccination policies, and require COVID-19 inoculation for its current and future employees.
The strong language comes as coronavirus cases continue to climb at exponential rates in Kentucky, as the rampant Delta variant violently rages among the unvaccinated, and continues its potent breakthrough of the vaccinated population.
In full support of this commitment on Thursday came the announcement of 11 Kentucky healthcare organizations that will require their workforce to both initiate and complete single- and double-dose vaccination by September 15, including Baptist Health.
Gerard Colman, CEO of Baptist Health, was among the medical leaders on hand to discuss this levy, noting it was time to move forward with the decision.
As of August 4, Kentucky had a seven-day rolling average of more than 1,600 new cases per day — with 2,291 reported on Wednesday.
Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of Kentucky’s Department of Public Health, applauded the collective leadership and added it was necessary due to this sudden surge.
From March 1 to August 4 in Kentucky, 92.3% of new cases, 91.4% of COVID hospitalizations and 88.7% of COVID-related deaths came among those either partially vaccinated, or not vaccinated at all.
In June, there were 1,197 cases among Kentuckians between the ages of 12-18, and 534 cases among Kentucky children 12 or younger. In July, those numbers were four times higher: 4,165 cases were reported between 12-to-18 years older, and 2,092 cases were children younger than 12.
The increase in hospital demand and treatment, particularly in these age groups, has led to further institutional changes within Kentucky’s health care facilities. As of August 5, more than 53 percent of Kentuckians have at least one dose of a vaccine, and more than 46 percent were fully vaccinated.
Beshear said Thursday’s message could change the tide against this explosion of new COVID-19 cases.
The KHA, KMA and KNA said it recognizes each hospital and health system is unique, but is encouraging every institution to determine an appropriate timeline to implement a requirement.
