SIKESTON — Early this month the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said traditional Halloween activities are fun and can still be enjoyed this year, but there are some steps people can take to decrease the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the seasonal flu.
The CDC said individuals should plan alternate ways to participate in Halloween this year and provided the following tips.
Those handing out candy can make trick-or-treating safer by avoiding direct contact with trick-or-treaters; giving out treats outdoors, if possible; setting up a station with individually bagged treats for kids to take; washing hands before handling treats; and wearing a mask.
For trick-or-treaters and others donning costumes, wear a mask, the CDC. Individuals should make their cloth mask part of their costume. A costume mask is not a costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask. Don’t wear a costume mask over a cloth mask because it can make breathing more difficult. Masks should not be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing.
Also, individuals should stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with them. Whether indoors or outdoors, the CDC said individuals are more likely to get or spread COVID-19 when they are in close contact with others for a long time.
Remember to wash hands. Bring hand sanitizer — with at least 60% alcohol —along and use it after touching objects or other people. Parents should supervise their children using hand sanitizer and wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when they get home and before eating any treats.
For those who’ve decided to stay in this Halloween, the CDC recommended decorating their homes; carving pumpkins with members of their household or outside with their neighbors or friends; walking from house to house, admiring Halloween decorations from a distance.
The CDC also suggested visiting an orchard, forest or corn maze. Families can hide Halloween treats in and around their house and old a Halloween treat hunt with household members, or they can hold an outdoor costume parade or contest so everyone can show off their costumes. The CDC also suggesting hosting an outdoor Halloween movie night with friends or neighbors or an indoor movie night with household members.