Somerset Officials Continue to Urge Vigilance Against Spread of COVID-19 Following Further Rise in Positive Cases

Parents Urged to Consider Alternate Halloween Plans In Lieu of Trick-or-Treating

SOMERSET — Town Administrator Richard Brown and the Somerset Board of Health report that the Town of Somerset has seen a further rise in positive COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. Town officials are continuing to urge the community to follow COVID-19 prevention guidance and are asking parents to consider alternate plans for Halloween in lieu of trick-or-treating house to house.

According to the public health data released on Thursday, Oct. 29, the Town’s designation remains at “Red,” indicating a “high risk” of spread in the community. The average daily incidence rate for the Town of Somerset per 100,000 residents has risen to 19.7, up from last week’s rate of 8.5.

According to today’s data, there have been 51 new confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Somerset over the past two weeks. Some of those new cases are attributable general community spread. Others are because of a rise in positive cases at an elder care facility in town, which is why the town was given an asterisk on the state database of COVID-19 data. Asterisks are given to communities when they are considered “high-risk” but have a certain portion of positive cases that are at either a long-term care facility, institution of higher education and/or correction facility within that community.

“While some of the cases can be attributed to one of the long-term elder care facilities in town, we are still seeing some new cases as a result of community spread,” Town Administrator Brown said. “While there are currently no restrictions by the town on Halloween, parents may want to seriously consider making alternate plans for their children in lieu of going trick-or-treating house to house. The numbers are continuing to rise and so is the risk for spread, especially on a night like Halloween.”

If parents are going to continue with plans to have their children trick-or-treat, residents are asked to take the following precautions, in accordance with guidance that has been provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC):

• Wear a face mask or face covering. A costume mask (such as for Halloween) is not a substitute for a cloth mask. A costume mask should not be used unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose and doesn’t leave gaps around the face.
• Observe good hand hygiene, including hand washing and use of alcohol-based sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol. Carry hand sanitizer and use it often, especially after coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces and before eating candy.
• Refrain from touching your face.
• Stay home and refrain from Halloween activities, including handing out Halloween treats, if:
  • you feel unwell;
  • you have tested positive for COVID-19; or
  • you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19
• Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet of physical distance from all other participants who are not members of the same household.
• Should residents partake in trick-or-treating, they are encouraged to make individually wrapped goodie bags that can be placed at the end of a driveway or the edge of their yard for families to take. All homeowners distributing treats are encouraged to use a disinfectant to routinely sanitize commonly touched surfaces such as doorbells and candy bowls.
• Those who do not wish to participate in trick-or-treating are asked to shut off their outdoor lights as an indicator. Trick-or-treaters are asked to respect the wishes of those who have chosen not to participate in this year’s event.

Additionally, the Town would like to share information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about several low and moderate risk alternative activities that community members can take part in for Halloween.

This includes lower risk alternatives such as carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them, or at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends; having a virtual Halloween costume contest or a small group, outdoor, open-air costume parade where people are distanced more than 6 feet apart; or having an outdoor Halloween movie night with local family friends with people spaced at least 6 feet apart.

Additionally, residents are encouraged to avoid higher risks activities, such as indoor haunted houses or costume parties; hayrides or tractor rides with those outside of your household; or having trunk-or-treat where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in large parking lots.

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