BOISE, Idaho — Central District Health (CDH) has issued guidance on the safety of activities ahead of Halloween. The district says the safest activities are those that involve household members, allow for social distancing, are outdoors, follow health and safety measures and adhere to local public health orders.
Some activities that fall under the lower-risk category are carving or decorating pumpkins with your household or outside at a safe distance with neighbors or friends. Virtual costume contests, movie nights with people you live with or a scavenger hunt trick-or-treat search with household members are also in the low-risk category.
Moderate risk activities include one-way trick or treating with goodie bags ready to go. CDH says if you are preparing the goodie bags, wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after preparing the bags. Visiting pumpkin patches or orchards where people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or apples, wearing masks is encouraged or enforced and people are able to maintain social distancing is also in the moderate category.
High-risk activities are normal trick-or-treating where children go door-to-door, trunk-or-treat events, going on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household or activities where alcohol or drugs are available, which can cloud judgment and increase risky behaviors.
CDH says packaged food, like candy, is not considered a common source of coronavirus exposure, but it's not without risk. If you want to reduce the risk for trick-or-treaters and yourself, consider using tape to mark waiting spots six feet apart on the way up to your door. Use fun ways to give out candy, like sliding it down a wrapping paper tube into trick-or-treat bags. CDH says to wear face coverings that cover the nose and mouth while answering the door.
To read the full Halloween guidance from Central District Health, click here.
