Health department issues Halloween safety recommendations

By: 
Press Staff Writer

        The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department officials remind residents that many commonly celebrated holiday activities may carry high risk for spreading COVID-19 this year.
        Focusing on decorations, limiting activities to the people you live with, and virtual costume parties or contests will help keep area communities safe this season, especially our children.
        “Halloween festivities, in addition to other holidays, will be different this year due to COVID-19,” said Dr. Eric Zgodzinski, Health Commissioner. “However, we feel it’s important to have our community celebrate safely. The guidance TLCHD issued provides tips for trick-or-treaters, persons handing out treats, and those planning events.”
        Trick-or-treating
        • Perform health screen prior to leaving home - do not participate if feeling sick.
        • If living with people who may be at greater risk from COVID-19, please reconsider participating.
        • If child is at greater risk of complications from COVID-19, contact your doctor before participating.
        • Masks should be worn at all times.
        • Stay with family unit and in your own neighborhood if possible.
        • Stay six feet away from other families.
        • Limit one family at a time when approaching participating houses.
        • Use hand sanitizer frequently during collection.
        • Collection bag should have a wide mouth to allow for dropping treats inside.
        • Do not eat any candy while participating.
        • If possible, wipe off candy wrappers with sanitizing wipes (allow to dry) when arriving home and prior to eating candy.
        • Wash hands before eating any candy.
        Passing out treats
        • Do not pass out candy if feeling sick.
        • Wash hands prior to passing out treats.
        • Masks should be worn at all times.
        • If possible, place table or other physical object between you and trick-or-treaters.
        • Limit interaction with those outside of your household.
        • Prepare goodie bags ahead of time (grab & go) and place at end of driveway or edge of yard.
        • Use only prepackaged, factory wrapped items, no homemade wrapped treats.
        Everyone is navigating the COVID-19 pandemic to the best of their abilities and has different comfort levels about what is safe to do. Some of your neighbors may be more restrictive than these guidelines and everyone should be respectful of neighbors’ wishes and concerns.

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