Fake coronavirus tweet tries to fool parents about Kentucky schools

The Kentucky Education Department was forced to debunk a fake tweet that convinced many that the governor was closing all schools to protect against further spread of COVID-19.

The tweet was made to look like it came from Gov. Andy Beshear.

“After a long and hard working meeting with all of the superintendents of Kentucky, we have came to the realization of the danger of Corona Virus,” the fake photo post said. “This is a threat that we must act on. It is my displeasure to announce that all schools of Kentucky will be close indefinitely March 16, 2020. Further information to come.”

“This is FALSE,” the Education Department said, reminding people to follow Beshear’s official account at https://twitter.com/Govandybeshear.

The origin of the photo is unclear but it was shared by some who thought it was real.

A statewide decision has not been made about school closures, but Boone County’s school system announced Wednesday it could close for about a month, depending on how long Kentucky’s state of emergency lasts.

While a decision hasn’t been made to close schools indefinitely, Beshear did tell Kentucky superintendents he could ask them to cancel classes as early as Monday, according to the Kentucky Department of Education’s website.

“At this point, we are asking all of our schools to be prepared on 72 hours notice, which means we could ask as early as Monday, for suspension of classes and school,” Beshear said. “Those that have the capability to provide instruction remotely, be prepared to do that.”

Beshear also said he ultimately will leave the decision up to the superintendent of each school district whether or not to close. But Toni Konz Tatman, a spokeswoman for the Education Department, said the Kentucky Department for Public Health has the authority to close schools because of COVID-19, as reported by the Herald-Leader Wednesday.

This story was originally published March 12, 2020 at 8:11 AM.