Halloween Safety Tips during COVID-19

NORWALK — October is traditionally a month full of fall festivities, fun with family and friends, and community trick-or-treating. Unfortunately, these celebrations also hold the potential to increase the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses such as influenza (flu). This month, Huron County Public health (HCPH) is encouraging residents to celebrate responsibly and consider all safety measures and event alternatives before leaving home. Residents should keep in mind that both Huron County and the state of Ohio continue to see upward trends of COVID-19 activity weekly, state of Ohio orders are still in effect, and mass gatherings of ten or more are still prohibited. Because of this, event attendees and trick-or-treaters are strongly urged to find ways to celebrate in small groups such as by participating with only members of your household and staying at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you. It is critical that everyone continues to take proper preventative measures to avoid respiratory illnesses. Preventative measures: • Staying home when feeling ill, • Avoiding others who are sick, • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, • Washing your hands often for at least 20 seconds or using sanitizer when hand washing is unavailable, • Wearing masks while in public, and • Keeping at least a 6-foot distance between yourself and others even while outdoors. Residents practicing these preventative measures, and all local businesses following all state of Ohio mandatory operating requirements, is essential to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and help get Ohioans back to their normal routines. Following guidance issued from the Ohio Department of Health, HCPH recommends the following tips to help ensure a happy and healthy Halloween. COVID-19 & Flu Preventative Measures: • Do not hold large in-person Halloween parties. If holding smaller parties, limit attendance to 10 or fewer people and hold the event in an outdoor area where social distancing is possible. Avoid activities, such as bobbing for apples that foster the spread of infection. • Consider avoiding high-contact events such as hayrides, haunted houses, and trunk-or-treating events. • Refrain from having children select their own treats from a bowl/common container or set up a hand sanitizing station. • Carry hand sanitizer and use it often, especially after coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces and before eating candy. • Consider the people in your household who may be at greater risk of complications if COVID-19 is brought into the home, such as those with certain health conditions, women who are pregnant or older family members. • Getting a flu shot helps you and your friends, family and neighbors stay healthy. • Fewer people with the flu means hospitals can more easily treat patients with COVID-19 and other illnesses and emergencies. • Getting a flu shot doesn't guarantee you won't get the flu, but it helps. Just like wearing a helmet or seat belt helps keep you safer if you're in an accident. • Flu vaccines reduce the chances you'll get flu, and if you do get sick, they can make your illness less severe. Traditional Safety Measures: • Try to be seen and consider decorating costumes with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, wear bright colors. Carry glow sticks or flashlights. • Cross the street safely at corners being sure to use traffic signals and crosswalks. • Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don't run, across the street. • Slow down and stay alert. Watch out for cars that are turning or backing up and don't dart out into the street or cross in between parked cars. • Allow children to eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid homemade treats made by strangers. Safety tips for drivers: • Slowdown in residential neighborhoods. Remember that popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. • Be especially alert and take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs. • Reduce any distractions inside your car, such as talking on the phone, so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.