Trick-or-treat amid COVID-19 pandemic: CDC director steps in



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Looking to participate in the Halloween festivities this year? Celebrate outdoors, limit crowds, and make treats in small groups, says Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Oh my God, I sure hope so,” Walensky told CBS’s Face the Nation, when asked if it was safe for kids to make treats this year. “If you can be outside, absolutely. Limit the crowds, I wouldn’t necessarily go to a crowded Halloween party, but I think we should be able to let our kids do candy or a spell in small groups and I hope we can do it this year. “

COVID-19 VACCINE RECALLS: WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Walensky’s comments come as children under 12 remain ineligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, although Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said on Sunday the company was “days, not weeks” away. submit test data to the FDA with the goal of expanding use in 5-year-old children. 11 years old, and Pfizer board member Dr. Scott Gottlieb predicted that the age group could become vaccine eligible by Halloween. Recent findings suggested that the vaccine was safe and effective in school-aged children at a lower dose, 10 micrograms (µg) compared to the dose of 30 µg for people 12 years of age and older.

“Since July, pediatric cases of COVID-19 have increased by approximately 240% in the United States – underscoring the public health need for vaccinations,” Bourla wrote in part in a statement released on September 20. “These trial results provide a solid basis for seeking approval for our vaccine for children aged 5 to 11, and we plan to submit them urgently to the FDA and other regulatory agencies.”

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Last year, COVID-related precautions and collection limits resulted in the cancellation of Halloween events in 37 states, USA Today reported, while the CDC discouraged Americans from attending traditional parties and costumed inside. Last year, the health agency advised deceivers against wearing a costume mask as a replacement for their virus-related mask or in addition to one.

“Many traditional Halloween activities can pose a high risk of spreading the virus,” the CDC said in a previous notice, adding that anyone who may have COVID-19 – or who has been exposed to someone with COVID -19 – should not participate in any activity in person while on vacation.

Fox News’ Daniella Genovese contributed to this report.

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