Tips for a safe and healthy Halloween!

 

The following suggestions are offered for families who want to participate in Halloween activities while limiting the risk of exposure to COVID-19. As a reminder, any Halloween activities are subject to the current state gathering size limits.

Lower Risk Activities:

·         Celebrate with members of your household with a Halloween-themed meal, Halloween movie night, or by preparing a Halloween scavenger hunt.

·         Hold virtual costume contests or pumpkin carving events.

·         Decorate your yard for others to enjoy from their car or while on a socially-distanced walk.

·         Enjoy Halloween outside rather than attending indoor events.

·         Wear a face mask or face covering.  

-  Do not use a costume mask as a substitute for a face mask or face covering. 

-  Do not wear a costume mask over a cloth mask because it can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe.  Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask. 

·         Carry hand sanitizer (60% alcohol) and use it often, especially after coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces and before eating candy.

·         Refrain from touching your face.

·         Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet from people who are not members of your household.

Moderate Risk Activities:

·         Visiting pumpkin patches and orchards.

·         Having small group, outdoor costume parade where people are distanced more than 6 feet apart.

·         One-way trick-or-treating, with treats placed outside of the home for trick-or-treaters as a “grab and go” while keeping distance from others.

·         Placing candy on a platter instead of a bowl and leaving hand sanitizer out for trick-or-treaters to use.

AVOID Higher Risk Activities:

·         Participating in traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed to children who go door to door.

·         Attending crowded costume parties held indoors, or any gatherings that exceed gathering limits.

·         Going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming.

·         Going on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household.

STAY HOME AND REFRAIN From Halloween Activities, Including Handing Out Halloween Treats, If:

·         You feel unwell

·         You have tested positive for COVID-19

·         You have been exposed to someone with COVID-19

·         You have traveled to or from a state that is not classified as lower risk within the last 14 days. 

SWritten by: Kathleen Torraco, RN

For more information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/halloween.html

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