While demand for COVID-19 shots in the U.S. has dropped off dramatically, the need for more vaccines around the world remains critical. The Novavax vaccine is expected to play an important role in boosting vaccine supplies in the developing world.

Downtown Paducah is finally breathing a little easier.

The order lifted capacity limits and mask mandates, and ended healthy at work requirements. The state will continue to comply with CDC recommendations.

The U.S. is confronted with an ever-growing surplus of coronavirus vaccine, looming expiration dates and stubbornly lagging demand at a time when the developing world is clamoring for doses to stem a rise in infections.

Gov. Andy Beshear is providing an update on the coronavirus in Kentucky.

FRANKFORT, KY — Kentucky had 289 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, as well as 17 additional coronavirus-related deaths. 

The health department said Thursday was the first day without at least one new case since April 1, 2020, when the region's first case was reported. 

Baptist Health Paducah Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brad Housman said you will need a mask at the hospital. 

The state will eliminate all capacity limits on businesses, large-scale events, conventions, amusement parks, and all other venues.

The Group of Seven nations are set to commit to sharing at least 1 billion coronavirus shots with the world, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced Thursday, with half coming from the U.S. and 100 million from the U.K.

It's a big relief for small business owners and their customers.

If cleared by the FDA, Moderna will become the second Covid-19 vaccine available in the U.S. for teens under 18 along with Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine.

Opening arguments start Thursday over whether or not Kentucky lawmakers can limit Gov. Andy Beshear's emergency powers. 

To date, Kentucky has had 461,446 known COVID-19 cases, including 7,121 deaths. 

The U.S. will buy 500 million more doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to share through the global COVAX alliance for donation to 92 lower income countries and the African Union over the next year, a person familiar with the matter said Wednesday.

The Jackson County Health Department, Southern Illinois Healthcare and the Illinois National Guard tag-teamed to bring a family vaccination clinic to Carbondale Community High School.

The update includes moving 33 countries, including Iceland, Israel and Singapore, into the lowest risk category.

Seniors say it's been depressing going without seeing their friends in more than a year, so they're looking forward to reuniting.

To date, Kentucky has had 461,119 known COVID-19 cases, including 7,109 deaths. 

Across the US, many have been offering incentives ranging from free donuts to baseball game tickets to encourage people to get vaccinated as more states try to reach their vaccination goal.

Beshear said all cases missing from the report will be announced once the issue is fixed. 

Summer camps around the Local 6 area are starting to open. On Monday the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club in Paducah kicked off its 8-week summer program.

Nearly 170 million people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in the United States — which means the same amount have been handed a version of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's white record card.

The Jackson County Health Department is starting a program to help people in the county who are home bound get their COVID-19 vaccine. 

From free beer or other drinks to scholarships and monetary jackpots, states and businesses are offering incintives for those who get vaccinated against COVID-19, and Kroger is getting in on the game. 

The state's COVID-19 test positivity rate is currently 2.47%. 

The Governor announced two types of drawings that are only available for people who live in the state, and have received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine

Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination must be provided before entering facilities.

Nearly all of our west Kentucky Local 6 counties are either in the yellow or green zones as of Thursday. The lone exception, Graves County, is in the orange zone. 

“Not only will the vaccine protect you from getting sick — your free COVID-19 shot can now get you a free shot of your choosing or whatever drink suits your palate,” Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said.

FRANKFORT, KY — Kentucky had 429 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, including 65 teens and kids age 18 and under, according to public health officials. 

The Jackson County Health Department is hosting family vaccination clinics at Carbondale Community High School, Murphysboro High School and Elverado High School.

The U.S. will donate 75% of its unused COVID-19 vaccines to the U.N.-backed COVAX global vaccine sharing program, President Joe Biden announced Thursday.

President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced a "National Month of Action" and outlined additional steps his administration is taking to get 70% of US adults at least one COVID-19 shot by July 4.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky reported 445 new coronavirus cases and four more virus-related deaths Wednesday.

Senior centers in the state have been closed since March of last year to protect older adults from COVID-19. The governor said the restriction is being lifted because of COVID-19 vaccines. 

Illinois Department of Public Health data show the state’s previous lowest total was 462 cases on June 22 of last year.

Restaurants and bars in Kentucky are now allowed to open their bar seating areas again. Curfews are also gone, and more people are allowed inside.

The change comes as the state heads into the Memorial Day weekend. 

A new study underscored the importance of vaccinating more people as it detailed how some of those who had COVID-19 can suffer from symptoms months later.

FRANKFORT, KY — Kentucky had 421 new COVID-19 cases and four additional coronavirus-related deaths Thursday, according to state public health officials. 

State data shows 81% of people in Kentucky age 65 and older are already vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Dr. J. Kyle Turnbo said he has been trying to get approval to administer COVID-19 vaccines from his Paducah office for a while. He owns HealthWorks Family Medicine on New Hold Rd. 

To date, Kentucky has had 457,062 known COVID-19 cases, including 6,744 deaths. 

Here's how to make an appointment for your child.

In an effort to vaccinate more people, Paducah Middle School and Wild Health are working together to hold a vaccine clinic for kids 12 and older.

(CNN) — The White House on Tuesday touted the US reaching a new milestone when it comes to vaccinations, with 50% of adults becoming fully vaccinated, according to White House senior COVID-19 adviser Andy Slavitt.

FRANKFORT, KY — More than 2 million Kentuckians have gotten at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose so far, Gov. Andy Beshear says.

The trial wasn't designed to look specifically at efficacy. However, initial observations found that none of the children who received the vaccine got sick with COVID-19 starting 14 days after their second dose. 

FRANKFORT, KY — The Kentucky Department for Public Health reported 263 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, as well as four additional virus-related deaths.