Columbia County Department of Health Director Jack Mabb has condemned plans for Hudson's annual Winter Walk on Sat., Dec. 5, calling it a potential COVID-19 super-spreader event. “If I tell you I’m having a birthday party and I’m expecting 50 visitors, when in fact I’m expecting hundreds, does that make it okay? No,” Mabb said. His comments were included in Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chair Matt Murrell's daily press release. Under Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s executive order, a 50-person limit has been imposed on all public gatherings. Hudson Hall at the historic Hudson Opera House, the longtime promoter of Winter Walk, is advertising events on Saturday as late-night shopping, Sax O’Claus, Santa’s Village, and fireworks. Other events are scheduled to take place through December 24. “What is being outlined by the Opera House is essentially Winter Walk,” said Mabb, noting that he has attended the holiday extravaganza many times over the years. “This has an opportunity to be a significant COVID-19 spreader. Contact tracing would be impossible in this situation. I would really discourage this event from happening,” Mabb said. He added that Albany County is currently “over three percent and a day or so away from the yellow zone,” which calls for more stringent measures. “There are consequences. If we’re not careful, we will return to the days of shutting down gyms, hairdressers, indoor dining, and the like,” Mabb said. Read the full press release at columbiacountny [dot] com.