Fall is in the air, and so is the coronavirus.
There are more than 1,500 active cases of COVID-19 in Hamilton County and active cases in all surrounding counties. There are no COVID-free areas in Hamilton County, according to a news release from the Hamilton County Health Department.
Individuals and families who plan to observe the Halloween holiday by trick-or-treating, attending costume parties and more could potentially come into contact with the COVID-19 virus.
"We know the approaching holiday season brings expectations of seasonal gatherings and festivals," Health Department Administrator Becky Barnes said in the release. "The most important way you can protect others and yourself is to wear a mask, maintain at least 6 feet of social distance, and stay home if you are sick with any symptoms."
Here are some more tips from the health department to help you identify risks and how to protect yourself and others:
* If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of how mild they may seem, do not leave home, go trick-or-treating or attend any gatherings.
* Costume masks should not be used in place of cloth masks unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers your mouth and nose and does not leave gaps around your face. Wearing a cloth mask over a costume mask could create breathing difficulties, so consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask that conforms to the above standards.
* The lowest risk is to not have Halloween parties this year. The longer you are at an event and the more people that are around you, the higher the risk for being exposed to the coronavirus.
* Traveling outside your home community increases your risk of either contacting or spreading the virus. Staying at home or close to home lowers your risk.
* Trick-or-treating and trunk-or-treating are considered some of the highest risk activities since people are typically in close proximity with others, especially with those outside of your household unit.
* If you are giving treats away, only use prepackaged items. Consider creating individual grab bags and leaving them at the edge of your driveway or yard.
* Haunted houses are considered higher risk locations since screaming and talking loudly can create respiratory droplets and fine spray that can carry the virus and is breathed in by others.
One of these kinds of events in the Chattanooga area, the Ringgold Haunted Depot, has canceled its 2020 event including a ghost tour and hayride after organizers determined social distancing would not be possible with the attractions, according to a news release from the City of Ringgold.
* Low risk activities include carving a pumpkin at home with household members, having a virtual pumpkin carving contest or a virtual costume contest, decorating at home or a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat around the house with household members.
For more guidance on safely observing Halloween this year, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html.
For more information about COVID-19 in Hamilton County, call the hotline at (423) 209-8383, or visit http://health.hamiltontn.org/.