GREENVILLE, Ohio — It’s only a week away from Halloween, but some local communities, such as Greenville, will be hosting it’s annual trick or treating early.
The city of Greenville will be hold its beggar’s night Sunday from 6pm to 8pm but as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Darke County, the health department is reminding families to tale all COVID-19 precautions seriously.
News Center 7 talked to a local woman who is excited to get her family dressed up this year.
Sadie Knowles said, “Mario, Luigi and Toad. Nintendo characters.” She said her family will be taking part in Greenville’s beggar’s night.
“We plan to go to our church. They have a Trunk or Treat and different families will be decorating the trunks of their cars and handing out candy,” Knowles said.
Knowles is not alone, Carly Osbourne said she wants her family to experience Halloween this year.
She said, “He wants to be a gorilla and Kelly wants to be Minnie Mouse.”
But, as COVID-19 cases hit a scary high. Traci Owens with the Darke County Health Department said, “Traditional trick or treating is considered a higher risk activity.”
That’s why health officials want families to mask up and keep their distance.
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“While we think it can be done safely, we definitely would recommend first and foremost if you feel sick or by chance get tested for COVID and feel well, recommend that you don’t participate in trick or treating,” Owens said.
The health department encourages people to limit the number of houses they visit, plus officials suggested dong contact tracing when out and about.
Owens said, “If you cold maybe trace out your steps and keep record where you have been that would be a great help in case there was a positive case resulting from this.”
It’s a measure Osbourne said she’d take. “I would do it absolutely. You never know who is going to have it or who you come in contact with.”
If you want to know what communities are still hosting trick or treating events, visit whio.com for a complete list.