Dallas County judge Clay Jenkins is strongly urging residents to refrain from trick-or-treating and holding social gatherings this Halloween.
He announced this on Friday morning after health officials in Dallas County warned of a new surge in COVID-19 cases and moved the county's risk level back up to "red", which is the highest that it can be.
Jenkins stated, "The governor will decide what is open and closed, but doctors are advising me on what is safe."
He recommended that families skip out on trick-or-treating in neighborhoods as well as trunk-or-treating events as they have the potential to be "superspreader events"
"We sure don't want our kids to go back into schools and getting folks sick," he said.
He added that individuals should be focusing on preventing the spread of the virus by wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and social distancing.
Jenkins said that Governor Greg Abbott's decision to allow businesses to return to 75% capacity has caused a 94% increase in the number of daily coronavirus cases since its low-point in August.
He said that since September 25th, Dallas County has reported a 27% increase in emergency room visits by people with Covid-19 symptoms, a 37% increase in COVID-19 illness, and a 30% increase in ICU bed usage.
Photo: Getty Images
Source: NBC DFW