New Bedford Health Department issues tips for a safe and healthy Halloween

The New Bedford Health Department is providing tips for a safe, healthy Halloween 2020 during COVID-19.

Halloween will look different this year, but families can still celebrate, and they can do so safely. Many of the tips are habits everyone has already adopted during the pandemic.

Here are some simple tips to keep in mind for Halloween this year.

Trick-or-treat safely by keeping good habits.

• Wear a mask. You can do this under a Halloween mask, or you can wear one with your costume if it doesn’t include a mask. Wear a mask at your doorstep or in your yard if you are outside during Halloween.

• Practice social distancing. Stay six feet away from anyone in your group. Don’t interact directly with trick-or-treaters.

• Provide your treats without making hand-to-hand contact. Instead of using a bowl to hand out goodies, separate them and leave them on an outdoor surface. Don’t hand them out, and don’t get close to trick-or-treaters or anyone outside your group. You can also provide hand sanitizer where you leave your goodies.

• Skip Halloween parties or Trunk-or-Treat events because of the large gatherings. Stick with small groups and stay outdoors.

• Keep your group small. Limit group activities to household members when possible. Carry hand sanitizer, and wash your hands well after trick-or-treating.

• Remember, some people will not be celebrating this year. Respect those who won’t be participating in Halloween this year. If the lights are off or goodies aren’t offered on the porch, head to the next house that’s celebrating Halloween.

• If you are feeling sick or have been exposed to anyone with COVID-19, stay home and don’t hand out goodies. Keep your lights off to let trick-or-treaters know.

You can learn more at the CDC’s Halloween page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html or at the state Department of Public Health’s Halloween page: https://www.mass.gov/news/halloween-during-covid-19.