MONROE — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has released recommendations for celebrating Halloween during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Green County Public Health Department has adopted these recommendations for providing guidance to the Green County community. 

Over the past month the state of Wisconsin, and Green County, have seen a surge in COVID-19 cases. On Sept. 19 Green County saw the largest single day increase in COVID-19 cases in the county, 28 cases. On Sept. 27 the county surpassed 500 total cases of COVID-19. 

Events and gatherings increase risk for individuals to come into contact with COVID-19. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services advises that the following events not take place this year; large outdoor gatherings, in person parties/celebrations, happy hour/socializing at bars and trick-or-treating. Taking precautions this year means returning to regular holiday traditions in the future. This Halloween season please consider opting for alternative was to celebrate: host a virtual costume contest/party; do more at home- decorate, make decorations, bake Halloween treats, watch scary movies; send loved ones Halloween treats through the mail or leave them on their doorstep for a contact-free way to celebrate; rather than an in-person walk through haunted house, visit or create a drive-through haunted house. 

In addition to altering Halloween celebration plans, please take action to help keep yourself and others healthy: stay home often, especially if you feel sick; wear a face covering when you need to go out; stay at least six feet away from people not from your household; wash your hands and use hand sanitizer frequently; cover your cough or sneeze; get your flu shot before Halloween. 

They encourage the public to frequently monitor the Green County Public Health Facebook page and website or the DHS website for updates. Additional information can be found on the CDC website.