WASHINGTON - The Centers for Disease Control has labeled Trick-or-Treat as a “high-risk” activity in a statement on updated COVID-19 guidelines for Fall holidays.

Noting that many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses, the CDC says there are safer, alternative ways to participate in Halloween.

According to the CDC, those who may have COVID-19 or may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, should not take part in in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters.

The CDC suggests that people avoid handing out candy to children going door-to-door as well as Trunk-and Treat, where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in parking lots. Health experts say those activities could spread the virus that causes COVID-19.

Other high-risk activities listed by the CDC include attending crowded indoor costume parties, going to an indoor haunted house, going on tractor or hayrides with people who are not members of your household, and traveling to a fall festival in a community with a high rate of Coronavirus spread.

The CDC says the recommendations are meant to supplement—not replace—any state or local health regulations.

CDC guidance also offers alternative activities with moderate and lower risks.

Moderate risk activities

Participating in one-way trick-or-treating, where individually wrapped goodie bags are lined up for families to grab and go while continuing to social distance (such as at the end of a driveway or at the edge of a yard)

If you are preparing goodie bags, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after preparing the bags.

Having a small group, outdoor, open-air costume parade where people are distanced more than 6 feet apart

Attending a costume party held outdoors where protective masks are used and people can remain more than 6 feet apart

A costume mask (such as for Halloween) is not a substitute for a cloth mask. A costume mask should not be used unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose and doesn’t leave gaps around the face.

Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask because it can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.

Going to an open-air, one-way, walk-through haunted forest where appropriate mask use is enforced, and people can remain more than 6 feet apart

If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised. The greater the distance, the lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus.

Visiting pumpkin patches or orchards where people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or picking apples, wearing masks is encouraged or enforced, and people are able to maintain social distancing

Having an outdoor Halloween movie night with local family friends with people spaced at least 6 feet apart

If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised. The greater the distance, the lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus.

Lower your risk by following CDC’s recommendations on hosting gatherings or cook-outs.

Lower risk activities

Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them

Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends

Decorating your house, apartment, or living space

Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance

Having a virtual Halloween costume contest

Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with

Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house