Kentucky governor says state is in "dire" situation from coronavirus surge

By the numbers: Kentucky recorded a seven-day average of 4,423 new daily cases on Saturday, according to a database maintained by the New York Times.

• The state on Saturday had reported an average of 2,385 hospitalizations and 24 deaths from the virus over the last seven days.
• Around 69% of the state's population that is 18 years or older has been vaccinated against the virus, according to state data.

What they're saying: “If I had the ability to do it right now, we would have a masking order when you are in public and indoors,” the Democratic governor told NBC. “We know that’s a proven way to slow the spread of the virus and ultimately help our health care capacity.”

• “Our situation is dire,” he added.

What's next: The emergency legislative session Beshear called for on Sunday to respond to surging COVID-19 cases begins Tuesday.

• He has asked the legislation to extend the state of emergency declaration until Jan. 15, 2022, and to define his authority to enact restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus.
• The Kentucky Supreme Court ruled last month that a lower court had incorrectly blocked state Republicans from limiting his executive authority to impose emergency health measures during the pandemic.

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