It's 'not going to be a normal Halloween' this year, Dr Tony Holohan has warned.
As the mid-term break approaches, public health officials are set to consider if any special guidance needs to be given to families ahead of Halloween.
Government Minister Simon Harris has suggested that trick or treating is “not a good idea” while the virus is still spreading.
He's insisted children can still have fun by dressing up and playing Halloween games with their families.
Speaking this evening, the Chief Medical Officer said NPHET will consider the issue of Halloween at an upcoming meeting - but warned it won't be a normal October 31st this year.
Dr Holohan said: "As the year goes on, different social events, sporting events or whatever it may be become prominent in our consideration... that's one of the things we'll be looking at a little bit more closely.
"You can absolutely anticipate this is going to be founded on the fact that we're trying to have people stay away.
"It's not going to be a normal Halloween... it can't be.
"We can't have children and families move from house to house in the way that normally happens at Halloween."
Earlier, Newstalk's Henry McKean spoke to children about Halloween 2020 - with one boy in Dublin saying it will be 'disgraceful' if trick or treating with masks and social distance isn't allowed.
