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EEE Threat Prompts Westminster To Postpone Halloween

WESTMINSTER (CBS) - Westminster is postponing the town's annual Halloween festivities due to concern over Triple-E.

Each year the town closes off part of Bacon Street for trick-or-treaters. Hundreds of people attend the two hour event, which includes haunted houses created by residents.

This year the town announced their trick-or-treating will occur 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. The annual bonfire will not take place at all.

The state says Westminster is at critical risk for Triple-E. The virus killed a horse two weeks ago. Those involved in the Halloween decision say they could take no chance with a town sponsored event being held when mosquitoes are most active.

"It's such a severe disease that's why we thought we had to make the call," said Elizabeth Swedberg, Westminster Health Department. She said telling people to put bug spray on was an option, but she said, "You can't trust everyone is going to do that."

Halloween is not the only event impacted by the Triple-E threat. All evening and night youth sports events and practices are also rescheduled.

The reaction to the Halloween decision has been mixed throughout town.

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