The CDC issued new Halloween guidelines this week discouraging families from trick-or-treating, trunk or treats, haunted houses, parties and other activities considered high risk for spreading the coronavirus. Instead they recommend enjoying low risk activities like pumpkin carving, decorating your house, virtual costume contests, movie nights at home, or a scavenger hunt with members of your household. Moderate risk activities include small, outdoor costume parades, outdoor movie nights where attendees are spaced at least six feet apart, or participating in one-way trick-or-treating that includes individually wrapped treats and social distancing. View the CDC’s guidelines here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#halloween
In accordance with the CDC guidelines, the City of NRH does not recommend trick or treating, trunk or treats, haunted houses, large Halloween events or parties and other high risk activities. If your family does decide to trick or treat or attend Halloween gatherings this year, please follow these recommendations:
- Stay home if sick. Do not hand out candy if you are sick.
- Wear a cloth face mask covering BOTH your mouth and nose.
- Trick or treat only with people you live with. Remain 6 feet apart from people not in your household.
- Use duct tape or other marking to mark 6-foot lines in front of home and leading to driveway/front door.
- Don’t allow kids to reach in a candy bowl. Position a distribution table between yourself and trick or treaters and distribute candy on disinfected table to eliminate direct contact.
- Hand sanitize frequently while out, especially during key times like before eating or after coughing/sneezing. Wash your hands as soon as you return home.
- Talk with your children about safety and social distancing guidelines and expectations.
- Carry a flashlight at night and ensure your children have reflective clothing.
- Stay on sidewalks and avoid walking in the streets if possible. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic. Cross streets at the street corner, and do not cross between parked cars.
- Avoid gathering with anyone who does not live in your household. Remember, the fewer people you interact with the better you control your exposure.
