CDC: Trick-or-treating is a high-risk activity

BOSTON — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued guidance for upcoming holiday celebrations. If you decide to follow them, beloved traditions, like so much else, will look a lot different this year.

The CDC is not canceling Halloween. They did however release a list categorizing high-risk activities and, unfortunately, that includes traditional “trick-or-treating.” We’re talking about children going door to door for candy and other treats. That’s high-risk for spreading COVID-19, according to the CDC. So, they said, is having so-called “trunk-or-treat” or handing treats out from cars lined up in parking lots.

And another warning from the CDC is that a costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask. They say a costume mask should not be used “unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose and doesn’t leave gaps around the face.”

The CDC is also advising against indoor costume parties, indoor haunted houses where many people could be screaming, and even hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household.

Some households have considered preparing pre-packaged bags of candy and leaving them outside of the home. The CDC is calling that “one-way trick or treating,” and they’ve determined that has a moderate risk for spreading COVID-19. They encourage social distancing and ask those who would be preparing those goodie bags to wash their hands well before starting.

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The CDC has also issued guidelines for Thanksgiving.

Every year, so much focus is on Thanksgiving travel. This year the CDC is saying that staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others.

What about Thanksgiving dinner? The CDC is recommending a small dinner with only people who live in your household. And as for the rest of the week, avoid crowded stores, parade routes, or road races and do your Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping online.

Boston 25 News anchor Kerry Kavanaugh asked people on social media for their reaction to these guidelines.

Some people said it’s disappointing, though not surprising.

Others were angry and made it clear that they are moving ahead as normal. Some also questioned the CDC’s credibility, as we know they have issued and retracted guidance in recent days.

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