Governor Andy Beshear says Kentucky should be aware of the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron.

He says there is still plenty to learn about the variant, and that people should not panic.

Kentucky's positivity rate is now above 8 percent for the first time since mid-October.

### Beshear says more than 60 percent of all Kentuckians have now received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine.

### The Herald-Leader reports Lexington Catholic High School will make mask wearing optional, starting in January.

The school's principal says the optional policy could be suspended if the need arises.

### The Kentucky National Guard is deploying about 150 soldiers to eastern Africa.

The troops will be working with the Virginia National Guard to provide security.

And about 200 more troops are preparing for deployment to eastern Europe in early