People dressed up in costumes and makeup are a familiar sight on Halloween night. Unfortunately, events like costume parades and trick-or-treat can be high-risk for spreading viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19. Take steps to protect yourself and others, such as finding lower risk ways to participate in Halloween and trick or treating. Examples include:
- Avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters by giving out treats outdoors or setting up a station with individually bagged treats for kids to take, if possible.
- Bring hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol with you, and use it after touching objects or other people. Parents should supervise young children using hand sanitizer.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home and before you eat any treats.
- Wear a mask if you are age two or older. A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask and should not be worn over a cloth mask. It can make breathing more difficult.
- Stay at least six feet away from others who are not part of your household.
If you may have COVID-19 or you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters.