CDC releases guidance for Halloween, local officials give their guidance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released guidance for Halloween activities.

The CDC says many of the traditional activities associated with Halloween are high risk for contracting COVID-19, like a major activity trick or treating.

Director of the Jackson Madison County Regional Health Department, Kim Tedford, says the strategic planning committee in Madison county recently talked about the upcoming holiday.

“We’ve discussed that and we are not putting anything out regarding tick or treating this Halloween. We do want to encourage people to social distance when they can", says Tedford.

Tedford mentions a lot of the activities are outside so the risk may be a little lower than what the CDC says.

The one activity local officials are discouraging is large Halloween gatherings.

She adds, “what better way to use a mask during Halloween you can decorate your mask, may have some fun doing that. The one thing we want to discourage are any large gatherings in gyms, community centers, or activity centers and churches.”

The CDC says that carving pumpkins, decorating homes, and virtual costume contests are low risk activities, but in person trick or treating is high risk. Tedford says she see’s it a little differently.

“And they’re not really recommending people to trick or treat, um I tend to differ a little bit with their recommendation, because you are outside and just for the reasons I said. You are outside and families usually do that together", says Tedford.

Local health officials say Halloween may not look too different for kids celebrating, but hand washing and social distancing still should take place.

Imani Williams for 39 news, in Jackson.