Halloween Safety During a Pandemic

Due to the ongoing pandemic and in an effor to reduce transmission of the coronavirus, health experts recommended safety precautions for those who choose to participate this year in Halloween activites.  

Trick-or-Treating COVID-19 Safety:

• Keep your family together and don’t mix/mingle with other families or groups.
• Maintain a six-foot distance when waiting to approach a house.
• Face coverings should be worn when approaching homes for treats. Those handing out treats should wear a face covering when getting within six feet of trick-or-treating guests.
• Don’t use a common bowl to dispense treats. Consider individually packaging treats in plastic or paper bags for kids to grab and go.
• Participants should wash their hands often, use hand sanitizer, and be reminded not to touch their face.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has other tips and recommendations for fall holidays, and it designates low-, moderate-, and higher-risk activities connected with each event. Door-to-door traditional trick-or-treating is considered in the higher-risk category, so taking steps to mitigate some of the risks is advised.

More information is available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#halloween

General Halloween Safety Tips:

• Teach children never to enter a stranger's home or car.
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas.
• Tell children not to eat any treats until they return home.
• Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep their heads up and walk, don't run, across the street.
• All costumes, wigs, and accessories should be fire-resistant.
• Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags or use glow sticks for trick-or-treating after dark.
• Motorists should watch for children walking on roadways, medians, and curbs.