Tennessee parents looking to keep their kids safe while trick or treating this Halloween will need to prepare accordingly amid the COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new coronavirus guidelines and an interactive map for Tennessee families looking to safely trick or treat on Halloween amid the pandemic.
This year's spooky holiday will coincide with daylight savings, a blue moon and falls on a Saturday. The CDC's map provides a risk zone breakdown of counties in each state with varying risk levels based on the confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Here's how each zone breaks down:
- Green Zone- Proceed normally while adhering to social distancing guidelines; small parties are okay.
- Yellow Zone- Trick or treating is possible, but be aware that areas are following safety protocols; party goers should wear masks indoors.
- Orange Zone- CDC recommends "trick or treat in reverse," in which children dress up in costumes and hang out in their front yards as neighbors can deliver candy while driving or walking by; parties should be held outdoors while following social distancing guidelines.
- Red Zone- Trick or treating is not recommended due to too many risks involved; parents and party goers should seek alternatives such as Zoom or Netflix parties and setting up candy stations inside and outside of the house.
The map above shows a breakdown of the risk levels by county in Tennessee based on total confirmed cases reported.
Davidson County and its surrounding areas are currently listed as Orange Level risks for trick or treating, which means parents and children are recommended to participate in "trick or treat in reverse."
Shelby and Tipton counties in West Tennessee are also currently listed as Orange Level risks, but neighboring counties, including Fayette, Haywood, Lauderdale and Madison, are listed as Red Level risks.
The Volunteer State has four counties -- Hamilton, Hawkins, Sullivan and Wayne -- that are listed as Yellow Level risks. Tennessee currently has zero counties listed as Green Level risks.
According to the CDC, the state has a 7-day moving average of 25 cases per 100,000 people.
Photo: Getty Images/CDC