Halloween

You’re probably excited to hand out cloth face coverings and hand sanitizer (full-size bottles!) to trick-or-treaters this year. But if you’ve got something spookier in mind, check out the COVID-safe Halloween guidance we just released.

To stay safe on Halloween:

  • Wear a cloth face covering if you will be seeing people outside your household.
  • Stay at least six feet away from everyone who doesn’t live in your house. Even adorable witches, superheroes, princesses, dinosaurs, pirates, and Pokemon.
  • Bundle up and celebrate outdoors as much as possible.
  • Avoid large gatherings.
  • Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.

Finding safe ways to celebrate is a part of life now. Brainstorm fun, seasonal activities with your kids and neighbors. What sounds festive to you and still keeps us safe from COVID?

Some ideas may include:

  • Candy, the centerpiece of Halloween for many kids, has its health challenges, but COVID-19 isn’t one of them. Make it a treat, and make sure they brush their teeth before the sugar crash.
  • Costumes are safe and give us creative ways to incorporate a cloth face covering! Remember, a plastic mask that comes with a child’s costume is not protective.
  • Carve, paint, or otherwise decorate pumpkins. If you carve them, roasted pumpkin seeds are a fun treat!
  • Have a family party with popcorn, spooky movies, board games, and more candy. Maybe the kids can have a scavenger hunt or “trick or treat” at all the bedroom, bathroom, and closet doors inside your home.
  • Greeting large groups of kids at your door is not recommended, but, sitting outside in a cloth face covering six feet away from a big bowl of candy and complimenting the kids on their costumes as they choose a treat from the bowl can be safe and fun. Dress warmly, play spooky music, and sip on a hot cup of tea or apple cider.
  • If you take the kids trick or treating, avoid creating large groups of kids. Don’t let them all congregate around a bowl of candy or at someone’s door. Have them wait for their turn about six feet away.

Practice compassion. Be creative. Have fun. Wave to your neighbors from six feet away. And don’t forget to say thank you for the candy!

More information

Stay tuned to our blog for more information on how you can help stop the spread of COVID-19. Sign up to be notified whenever we post new articles.

Information in this blog changes rapidly. Check the state’s COVID-19 website for up-to-date and reliable info at coronavirus.wa.gov.

Answers to your questions or concerns about COVID-19 in Washington state may be found at our website. You can also contact our the Department of Health call center at 1–800–525–0127 and press # from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday — Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday — Sunday. Language assistance is available.

Please note that this call center cannot access COVID-19 testing results. For testing inquiries or results, please contact your health care provider.

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Public Health Connection
Public Health Connection
Washington State Department of Health
Washington State Department of Health

Written by Washington State Department of Health

Protecting and improving the health of people in Washington State.

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