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CDC recommends keeping gatherings small this holiday season

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, keeping the guest count down during parties can limit the spread of COVID-19.
Credit: Konstantin Yuganov - stock.adobe.com
Happy Halloween! Little kid with a basket for sweets wearing face mask protecting from COVID-19.

ALABAMA, USA — Halloween is almost here, and unfortunately COVID-19 is not going away.

If you plan on hosting a party or large gathering this Halloween, it's important to remember the rules.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gatherings are much safer outdoors.

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Health officials say gatherings that last longer are riskier than shorter ones. They also recommend keeping the guest count down.

To limit the spread of the virus, it is suggested to practice social distancing, wear face masks, and wash hands often.

Dr. Karen Landers with the Alabama Department of Public Health says we must limit the spread of COVID-19 in order to celebrate all the upcoming holidays.

RELATED: Tips to safely celebrate Halloween during the COVID-19 pandemic

"We have Halloween, then we have Thanksgiving coming up, and then we have Christmas, so our overarching goal is to prevent people from developing COVID," said Dr. Landers. "Let's do all we can as we go into the fall and winter season not only for the safety of our families and our loved ones, but also be able to have some level of celebration."

For a full guide to hosting gatherings for the holidays, click here.

WATCH: Heading outside this fall? Don't forget to be COVID-19 safe.

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