A North Carolina health official is warning residents of the risks of their favorite fall activities amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Lisa Pickett, chief medical officer for Duke Health, told ABC 11 making outdoor plans are likely the best option for staying healthy while participating in fall activities as coronavirus continues to spread globally. Dr. Pickett said that while residents may be tempted to bring activities indoors, it's better to do stay outside while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

"North Carolina falls are lovely," Pickett said via ABC 11. "As much as we can encourage barbecues, grill outs, and things to be outdoors, as long as the weather holds out, I think that would be safer."

Dr. Pickett mentioned several favorite fall activities and ranked how high of a risk each poses amid the COVID-19 pandemic:

Apple picking: low risk

Dr. Pickett told ABC 11 apple picking is a low risk activity as long as only immediate family members ride in the same car and all individuals wear face coverings while walking on a narrow path, waiting in line or standing near strangers.

"Picking our apples and washing them and enjoying them either as a nice healthy treat or perhaps in a delicious apple pie would be a wonderful fall way to spend time," Pickett said via ABC 11.

Pumpkin patch photo shoots: low risk

Dr. Pickett believes families can hold pumpkin patch photo shoots as long as the photographer rides to the location separately. Additionally, Dr. Pickett said carving and painting pumpkins are also low risk fall activities.

Bonefire with friends: medium risk

Dr. Pickett is cautioning residents about the correlation between bonfires and an increase in COVID-19 cases as individuals will need to take off their masks while eating and sit close together around the fire.

Hiking: low risk

Dr. Pickett said hiking is not only a great form of exercise, but is also a low risk activity as it is possible to follow social distancing guidelines in open spaces.

Trick-or-treating: medium to high risk

Dr. Pickett said families should discuss how the community wants to handle Halloween with their neighbors as sending children door-to-door to take candy from a communal bowl creates obvious risks for contracting COVID-19. However, a properly organized Halloween parade for the community could be a healthy alternative.

Haunted houses: medium to high risk

Dr. Pickett noted the obvious risk haunted houses create with individuals running and screaming in close areas. However, outdoor haunted houses and corn mazes with participants following COVID-19 guidelines may be a safe alternative.

Costume parties: high risk

Dr. Pickett said in-person and indoor parties could create high-risk situations, especially with non-family members attending. She advises instead participating in Zoom or outdoor parties and incorporating a mask for costumes.

Holiday dinners with extended family: medium to high risk

Dr. Pickett said a Thanksgiving meal with immediate family members is preferred over inviting extended family member, especially if air travel is necessary.

"If you can just drive straight through and get there and really don't have much risk in route, that's easier and better," Pickett told ABC 11.

Going to a football game: medium risk

North Carolina stadiums have reopened under Phase 3 of Governor Roy Cooper's reopening plan. Dr. Pickett said attending a football game may be a low risk if an individual calls ahead to understand the venue's COVID-19 requirements. However, there is still an obvious risk of contacting germs at a large public event.

Photo: Getty Images

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