Here are the key COVID-19 data metrics: 

• There were 1,230 new cases over the previous week
• 22.9 cases per 100,000 population

Vaccines

• 871,891 total vaccine doses given in Metro Louisville since December
• 57.7% of Louisville residents have received at least one dose of vaccine, and 50.3% have completed the vaccine series.

To view this week's COVID briefing with public health officials CLICK HERE. For a list of COVID-19 vaccine sites CLICK HERE.

COVID-19 vaccines are available at more than 100 sites across Louisville. If you have questions or concerns about getting vaccinated, talk with your primary care physician or pharmacist.

Individuals who need assistance scheduling a vaccine appointment or finding a vaccine site can:

• Call the LOU Health Helpline at (502)-912-8598.
• Visit vaccines.gov to find vaccine providers in your area
• Text your ZIP code to GETVAX (438829) to immediately receive addresses of nearby vaccination centers. 

LouVax-Mobile needs volunteers. To learn more about volunteer opportunities or to sign up CLICK HERE. For a list of COVID-19 Vaccination sites CLICK HERE

Mayor Greg Fischer announced that the city is making additional funding available for its COVID-19 Utility Relief Program, starting with $2.5 million to help residents who have fallen behind on Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) bills as a result of COVID-19.

The funds are designed to assist residents with a past-due amount on an active LG&E account. The outstanding balance must have occurred since March 16, 2020, and customers will need to attest they have had a financial hardship during the pandemic.

Customers with outstanding balances could receive a one-time credit for up to $1,000 on LG&E bills.

An additional $2.5 million will be shared with Louisville Water Co. in the coming weeks; details on that spending are not yet finalized.

Funding for the Utility Relief Program comes from the first round of Louisville’s Federal American Rescue Plan (ARP), which have been approved to address the city’s most urgent needs. The LG&E funds will be distributed by the city’s Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS) via the Neighborhood Place network.

How to apply for the LG&E assistance:

Schedule a drop off appointment in advance at one of four Neighborhood Place Drop Boxes. Appointments can be scheduled by phone by calling 502-977-6636 or online at LGEHelp.itfrontdesk.com. The toll-free service is currently open and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Eligibility for the Metro LG&E Relief Program:

• Jefferson County residency
• Experienced a COVID-related economic hardship
• Have a past due/delinquent LG&E electric or gas bill since March 16, 2020
• There are no income restrictions to receive this utility assistance, however, income documentation is required to gain entry into the LG&E program.

Documentation may include:

• Photo ID for adult(s) in the household
• Social Security card(s) or official documentation with Social Security numbers for everyone living in the household (or permanence residence/green card)
• Current bill with a past due balance, or a brown, disconnect notice from LG&E. (The past due amount must have occurred since March 16, 2020)
• LG&E Utility Assistance application form can be downloaded here or found at your nearest Neighborhood Place office drop boxes that include the income documentation form.

These Metro COVID-19 Relief Program funds for LG&E will operate until funding is depleted. Funding will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

LG&E would like to remind customers who are behind on their bill that they can set up a payment plan that best fits their situation and spreads out their past due balance over installments. Once a disconnection notice is received, customers can sign up for a payment plan through any of the following options:

• LG&E and KU mobile app – available in the App Store and Google Play Store
• MyAccount – available through the LG&E and KU website, lge-ku.com
• LG&E and KU automated phone system – press 1-2-2-1 at any time

Customers can also visit an LG&E business office in person or speak to a Customer Care representative by phone.

Mayor Fischer is reminding residents that the federally funded LIHEAP Summer Cooling is also currently operating, providing cooling assistance for qualified residents separated in two components, Subsidy and Crisis. Eligible households can apply for one or both components Households must meet eligibility requirements, with a household income at or below 150% of the Kentucky median income can apply for one or both components.

LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is also administered through the Office of Resilience and Community Services. Check here for eligibility and how to apply.

For more information, https://louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-services, call Metro United Way’s help referral service at 211, or Metro311 by simply dialing 311 or (502) 574-5000 or email https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro311.

Team Kentucky’s Shot At A Million provides a great incentive to Kentuckians to get their shot of hope: a COVID-19 vaccine! The drawings also raise awareness of how Kentuckians can obtain an appointment for one of the safe and effective vaccines.

Permanent residents of Kentucky who have received at least the first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines or the one dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine are eligible. Permanent residents of Kentucky are eligible even if they received the vaccine in a different state.

Entry into the drawing must be completed at here. Entry requires your name, birthdate, email address, phone number, home address and the name and location of the place that provided you with the vaccine. Entry also requires agreement to the official rules of the drawing and agreement to allow the Kentucky Department for Public Health to verify your vaccination information

Winners Will Be Announced:

• Friday, August 27, 2021

Cat of the Week:

Spice up your life when you adopt Salsarita. The laidback Calico is approximately two-years-old and friendly with everyone. Her favorite things include toys, cat naps, and plenty of pets. Adopt Salsarita for free with an approved application, thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. Salsarita weighs 10 lbs. She’s already spayed, microchipped and up-to-date on vaccinations.  To meet or adopt Salsarita, visit Animal House Adoption Center, located at 3516 Newburg Road, from 12-6pm daily. For more info about Salsarita, call 502-473-PETS.

Dog of the Week:

Wanted: A forever home with pool. Kazuhira is a true water dog who prefers to keep things wet when outside. When not taking a dip in the pool, the approximately 3-year-old Labrador Retriever mix enjoys hanging out with other shelter dogs, so he wouldn’t mind having a sibling to keep him company when you’re away from home. Kazuhira can be shy when meeting new people, but warms up quickly. He shows his appreciation by giving kisses. Kazuira mastered the leash while at the shelter and now he looks forward to going for a walk. Adopt Kazuhira for free with an approved application, thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. Kazuhira weighs 65 lbs. and he’s already spayed, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations. Kazuhira can be tested with children, other dog, or cats by request. Meet Kazuhira at Animal House Adoption Center (3516 Newburg Road), open to walk-ins frm 12-6pm daily. For more info about Kazuhira, send an email to animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov.