As Halloween approaches, Gov. Andy Beshear is encouraging Kentucky families to make plans to celebrate the holiday safely as coronavirus cases continue to rise in the commonwealth.
The spread of the virus in Kentucky is currently considered “critical,” as the state is in the “red zone,” according to the White House. Furthermore, the 800 Kentuckians hospitalized with the virus marks the highest number of hospitalizations since the pandemic began more than six months ago; over 200 patients are in ICUs and 105 people are on ventilators.
“Remember, the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) doesn’t think we ought to be trick-or-treating at all,” Beshear said. “I know kids are going to do it. I know how excited our kids are to do it, so please make your plan on how you are going to follow these steps to do it safely. It’s a sacrifice, but I’d like to think it’s a small sacrifice to better protect our people, our children and our seniors.”
The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) has shared guidance online to help people choose fun, low-risk Halloween activities. Among the suggestions:
- At all events and activities, wear a face covering, sanitize hands often and maintain six feet of distance from others.
- Place individually wrapped candy outside on the porch, driveway or table.
- If you plan to trick-or-treat, do so in family groups in your own neighborhood and avoid congregating in large groups.
- Consider safer alternatives to trick-or-treating, including virtual Halloween costume contests, drive-by costume or car decorating contests with judges who are social distancing or a Halloween movie or game night at your home with your family.
CDC redefines “close contact”
Dr. Steven Stack, KDPH Commissioner, said the CDC now defines a “close contact” as someone who was within six feet of an infected individual for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. The CDC previously defined a “close contact” as someone who spent at least 15 consecutive minutes within six feet of a confirmed coronavirus case.
“In the state of Kentucky, if you have a high-risk exposure, we’re going to expect you to quarantine,” Dr. Stack said. “That’s how we keep the disease low. And the sad irony in this is when people disregard this, that’s when the problem gets bigger and bigger and more and more people are affected by the interventions we have to take.”
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
