The CDC released its guidelines for how to celebrate Halloween amid a global pandemic, and those recommendations are not going to be popular among many kids and parents.
The agency says families should avoid door-to-door trick-or-treating, trunk-or-treat events, indoor costume parties, indoor haunted houses, crowded hayrides and rural fall festivals from hotspots.
The CDC did list some alternatives that may help ease the sting for those wanting to abide by safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. They include pumpkin carving and decorating with members of your household, decorating your home for Halloween, virtual costume contest and a movie night with family members.
Albany Police Chief Michael Persley said he supports the guidelines set by the CDC and says precautions must be taken to keep children as well as adults safe.
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“Halloween will be much different this year, and it has to because we do not want to see an uptick in COVID-19 cases. Parents should consider fall festivals where all precautions such as social distancing and wearing a face covering measures are in place or have a small family gathering at home. We want everyone to have fun, but more importantly, we want everyone to be safe and healthy.” Persley said.
You may remember that Albany was an early hotspot for COVID-19 in Georgia after the disease spread through two highly attended funerals in the area.
If you’re not from Albany and aren’t so good with Georgia geography, the city is in Dougherty County in Southern Georgia. Dougherty County has had 3,128 cases of coronavirus and 185 total deaths.
As we approach Halloween in Georgia, the state is reporting a decline in coronavirus cases. The state is averaging 1,559 new cases reported each day, down from 3,745 cases per day at the state’s peak in July. However, the state was averaging just 514 new cases per day when shelter-in-place orders were given in April.
One more word from the CDC about Halloween costumes: Parents should note that the Halloween version of a mask should not replace a cloth mask unless the Halloween mask has multiple layers over the mouth.
In light of the pandemic and the CDC Guidelines, what are your plans for Halloween this year. Let us know in the comments below.