FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Karen Landers, M.D.
(256) 383-1231
Protecting families, friends and communities from contracting and spreading the novel coronavirus COVID-19 is a major concern for Alabama families in 2020. Consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) encourages families to find safer, alternative activities to traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating this Halloween.
Persons who have COVID-19 or who have been exposed to someone with the virus should not participate in in-person Halloween activities. Anyone exposed to COVID-19 within the past 14 days or who is showing symptoms should remain at home. Of course, people at increased risk of severe illness form COVID-19 should also stay home.
Children can enjoy limited trick-or-treating provided parents assess the risks of each activity, take precautions and carefully supervise. Adults need to emphasize the importance of consistent hand hygiene, proper mask wearing and social distancing where people can remain 6 feet apart or more. Avoiding large, crowded groups is important.
Weigh the risks and consider alternative ways to celebrate. The main indicator for limiting the risk of COVID-19 spread in the community is the number of days a county has a downward trend of new cases. Your county’s current risk level can be found on the ADPH COVID-19 Risk Indicator Dashboard. Halloween activities are grouped according to the following risk levels:
Traditional injury prevention and health precautions for Halloween trick-or-treating hold true in 2020. As always, responsible adult supervision is key with trick-or-treating. Safety measures to take beforehand, during and after trick-or-treating include the following:
Go to cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html for additional recommendations.
County health departments throughout Alabama provide a wide range of confidential and professional services. Contact your local county health department for additional information.
Mission: To promote, protect, and improve Alabama’s health
Vision: Healthy People. Healthy Communities. Healthy Alabama.
- 30 -
10/20/2020