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Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, �鶹ӰԺ and the city of �鶹ӰԺ have an important message to share with the community members and those outside the area concerning the upcoming Halloween weekend: Do not hold or attend mass gatherings of more than 10 people who are not in your household.

This guidance also applies to the week leading up to Halloween and the days following the holiday, which typically bring a great many outsiders to �鶹ӰԺ for the weekend.
 
�鶹ӰԺ Police, the �鶹ӰԺ City Health Department and university leaders are urging community members and students to refrain from holding large gatherings or parties to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 as recommended by the and .
 
The city of �鶹ӰԺ has instituted measures to deter students and other residents from holding large gatherings and parties. �鶹ӰԺ City Council recently enacted an ordinance currently in effect that allows for civil penalties to be levied against anyone who holds or attends gatherings of more than 10 people. Additionally, certain behaviors may be subject to discipline in accordance with Code of Student Conduct.
 
The city of �鶹ӰԺ and �鶹ӰԺ State also expect city residents and students to adhere to city ordinances prohibiting disorderly conduct and loud noise.

Halloween celebrations in �鶹ӰԺ have never been events sanctioned, condoned or promoted by the city of �鶹ӰԺ or �鶹ӰԺ Police, and because of the pandemic, this definitely is not the year for large holiday gatherings, according to �鶹ӰԺ Police Department Lt. Michael Lewis.

“While we empathize with our downtown bars and restaurants in their economic struggles because of COVID-19, we must also acknowledge the potential health consequences of large gatherings,” Lewis said. “�鶹ӰԺ Police will strictly enforce our long-standing city ordinances prohibiting parties that generate unlawful noise, underage consumption, disorderly conduct and other nuisances. For the sake of long-term health and business recovery, we ask for cooperation from our community and outside visitors.”

�鶹ӰԺ State Community Resource Officer Tricia Knoles, echoed Lt. Lewis’ sentiments. “The safety of our students has always been our number one priority; this year is no different. We know that this year brings many challenges. We are strongly encouraging finding other ways to celebrate Halloween than having a party or gathering in large groups. This may be the year to watch your favorite Halloween movie with your roommate or take a hike with a friend and appreciate the fall colors. We want our students to be safe, follow the Flashes Safe Seven guidelines and make good choices.” 

�鶹ӰԺ City Health Commissioner Joan Seidel stated, “The support of City Council on the expansion of the Nuisance Party Ordinance to include the health commissioner’s authority to cite in these specific instances underscores how important adhering to small gatherings really is in our fight against COVID-19. To have a healthy economy, a thriving business district, we need to have a healthy community.” 

In addition, �鶹ӰԺ community members and �鶹ӰԺ State students must continue to practice important public health safety measures recommended by the CDC. For the campus community, this includes �鶹ӰԺ State’s Flashes Safe Seven principles.

For �鶹ӰԺ State coronavirus updates, visit www.kent.edu/coronavirus.

For the �鶹ӰԺ City Health Department updates, visit .

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City of �鶹ӰԺ Media Contact:
Lt. Michael Lewis, lewism@kent-ohio.org, 330-673-7732

�鶹ӰԺ State Media Contact:
Officer Tricia Knoles, u339@police.kent.edu, 330-672-3070