As Cases Rise, Gov. Beshear Calls on Kentuckians to Plan for a Safe Halloween

There are more Kentuckians hospitalized with COVID-19 now than ever before.

(Frankfort, Ky.) - As we get closer to Halloween, Gov. Andy Beshear said many kids, including his own, are very excited about the holiday. He encouraged Kentucky families to make plans now for how to celebrate safely as COVID-19 cases rise across the commonwealth.

Kentucky is in the red zone for cases, according to the White House. There are more Kentuckians hospitalized with COVID-19 now than ever before.

“Remember, the CDC doesn’t think we ought to be trick-or-treating at all. 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,” said Gov. Beshear. “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 [kycovid19.ky.gov]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.

The full KDPH Halloween guidance is available in English and Spanish; a one-page summary is also available in English and Spanish.

Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the KDPH, also updated Kentuckians that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (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. That’s how we keep the disease low,” said Dr. Stack. “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. So if you get a call, I really urge you to follow the great example set by the First Family.”