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Prince George's County advises against trick-or-treating

County health officials suggest that if anyone gathers with members outside of your household, they should wear a face-covering at all times.

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Halloween this year will look a lot different in Prince George's County due to the coronavirus pandemic.

While the county remains in Phase 2 of reopening, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks strongly advises residents against trick or treating, per guidelines administered by the CDC.

“While we have made some progress over the last two weeks, our COVID-19 metrics are still higher than we would like, and we have reached a plateau in our data,” Alsobrooks said during a news conference Thursday morning. 

Alsobrooks said the county will continue to rely on science in addition to the advice of county health officials to determine when a safe transition can be made to Phase 3.

In the newly released county guidelines for trick-or-treating, Prince George's County officials do not recommend residents participate in the traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating. Indoor haunted houses will also not be allowed, officials said. 

Large street parties or festivals are discouraged, also.

County officials suggest that traditional trunk-or-treating should be shifted to one-way, drive-thru distributions for candy. Residents are encouraged to attend those sponsored by County Government or municipal governments, Alsobrooks said.

Here are other low-risk alternatives to trick-or-treating this year in Prince George's County:

  • Pumpkin carving or decorating with members of your household
  • Indoor/outdoor scavenger hunts with your household
  • Virtual Halloween costume contests
  • Halloween movie nights with members of your household

Prince George's County health officials suggest that if anyone gathers with members outside of your household, they should wear a face-covering at all times.

The County is also advising against traditional Halloween costume masks – as costume masks have mouth and nose holes, and when worn alone, do not provide the same protection as face coverings.

Residents should consider creating or using Halloween-themed face coverings instead, officials said.

Preliminary data for last week shows Prince George's County's positivity rate has increased to 4.2%, after hitting a low of 3.5% for the week of Sept. 20. 

While the fluctuation is concerning, Alsobrooks and health officials said the county has now been under a 5% positivity rate for three straight weeks. 

RELATED: Tips for a safe Halloween from pediatric infectious disease specialists

RELATED: Coronavirus updates: DC extends public health emergency order until Dec. 31

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