In the federal guidelines, the CDC is advising against participating in many usual Halloween traditions this year, such as children going door-to-door collecting treats. That’s been called a “high-risk” activity during the pandemic.
Transcript
Boozhoo, I’m Cole Premo. Here’s your daily update.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released new guidelines for celebrating Halloween safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the federal guidelines, the CDC is advising against participating in many usual halloween traditions this year, such as children going door-to-door collecting treats. That’s been called a “high-risk” activity during the pandemic.
Other high-risk activities include attending crowded costume parties held indoors, indoor haunted houses, going on hayrides or tractor rides with non-household members… and also the use of alcohol or drugs, which can cloud judgement and increase risky behavior.
Meanwhile, what the CDC calls “moderate” risk activities include one-way trick or treating … where individually wrapped goodie bags are lined up for families to grab and go while social distancing.. Other moderate risk activities include attending a costume party held outdoors where protective masks are used with social distancing taking place, visiting pumpkin patches or having an outdoor movie night with local family friends -- again with social distancing.
Minnesota Health Department’s infectious disease director Kris Ehresmann reacted to the guidelines in a recent COVID-19 briefing and talked about some safer options for families this halloween. Here she is.
EHRESMANN: “Low risk options include carving pumpkins with family, decorating… this isn’t meant to be a buzzkill, it’s meant to keep you safe.”
For more specific information the guidelines and the risk categories, visit CDC.gov.
I’m Cole Premo.