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The spooky season has arrived but with the COVID-19 pandemic many Halloween actives have been canceled however the four towns in Charlotte County have not banned trick-or-treating.

Charlotte Court House

The town will have trick-or-treating as usual, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., for children 12 and under.

The town council has requested that town residents participate while being careful and staying safe.

Keysville

The Town of Keysville does not regulate, schedule or cancel trick-or-treating activities for Halloween. The town has made a recommendation for the date and times for safety purposes which will be Oct. 31 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for children 12 and under. The town strongly encourages following all CDC and VDH guidelines for celebrating Halloween safely.

Phenix

The Town of Phenix will hold trick-or-treating Oct. 31 for children under the age of 12.

No juvenile older than 12 years of age may solicit the citizens of the Town of Phenix for trick-or- treating nor continue beyond 9 p.m.

Drakes Branch

The Town of Drakes Branch will hold trick-or-treating Oct. 31 for children under the age of 12. No juvenile older than 12 years of age may solicit the citizens of the Town of Phenix for trick-or- treating nor continue past 9 p.m.

New guidance established by officials at the CDC for Halloween events include:

Lowest risk: Virtual-only gatherings, including digital video conferences and costume contests held over Zoom. Carving pumpkins and displaying decorations inside your home and on your porch or in the backyard is also associated as low-risk, as well as scavenger hunts that keep little ones close.

Moderate risk: Small outdoor gatherings where individuals can remain six feet apart while wearing face masks apply here. The CDC maintains that one-way trick-or-treating (where goodie bags are lined up at the edge of a driveway) holds lower risk than regular trick-or-treating. Visiting pumpkin patches or orchards with masks and hand sanitizer fall in this category, as well as well-designed outdoor mazes or haunted “forests” where people can remain 6-feet apart. The CDC makes a special note on any activity where screaming is expected, The greater the distance, the lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus.

Higher risk: Includes traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed to children at the doorstep (including trunk-or-treat events). Indoor costume parties fall into this category, as does indoor haunted houses where people may be screaming. Even some outdoor activities are considered especially risky. Those going on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household, as well as those who wish to travel to another destination for a fall festival.