Campbell County is now a red zone county, one of 68 in Kentucky. With 1,821 new cases of COVID-19 in Kentucky yesterday, the third-highest number of cases ever reported in a single day, Governor Andy Beshear is urging these red zone counties to elevate their response to COVID-19. 

     This response should include implementing changes starting Monday, November 2. School districts may have to make changes to instruction, moving to a virtual or distance learning format if they are in a red zone county. 

     Beshear’s recommendations to reduce the presence of red zones include: 

• Government offices that do not provide critical services should have their workers performing their duties virtually. 
• Employers should have employees work from home as much as possible. 
• Reduce in-person shopping and use curbside pickup as much as possible. 
• Order takeout, avoid dining in at restaurants or bars. 
• Prioritize businesses that follow COVID-19 measures. 
• Do not host gatherings of any size. 
• Avoid nonessential activities outside the home. 
• Pause high-contact sports, minimize crowds at sporting events. 
• Follow all other COVID-19 mitigation efforts.

     These are recommendations, not mandates, as Beshear understands compliance is an issue in Kentucky. However, as always, it is important to follow guidelines in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the number of red zone counties.