Keep safe on Halloween in 2021 by following the basic principles: limit close contact with other people, limit touching points, and practice good hand hygiene.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently gave the OK for Halloween activities but warned that many traditional activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses. Every community has a different rate of infection or COVID-19 spread, so be sure to follow the guidelines recommended by your community officials.
Holiday Tips for Comvid Safety
Masks for COVID Safety
To reduce the risk of being infected with the Delta variant and possibly spreading it to others, wear a cloth or medical-grade mask (not to be substituted with a Halloween mask) indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission. Follow all local or state mask mandates.
- Indoor activities where people are crowded together are considered higher risk than outdoor activities.
- If you can not get your activities outside, increase ventilation, wear a mask, and stay at least 6 feet apart from people who are not in your household or personal bubble.
- A costume mask shouldn’t be considered a substitute for a cloth mask.
- Wash hands before handling treats.
- Avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters.
- Give out treats outdoors, if possible.
Stay away from crowds and clustering, and follow safe distance rules even when outdoors.
According to the CDC, about 35 percent of infected people have no symptoms at all. If they are out and about, they could unknowingly infect other people.
Indoors and outdoors, you are more likely to get or spread COVID-19 when you are in close contact with others for a long time. Celebrate at home with family and friends who are in your social circle or look for outdoor community events focused on safe ways to have fun.
Make your cloth mask part of your costume. If children plan to use their cloth face coverings as part of their costumes, they should not paint them since some paints contain toxins. Do not wear a costume mask over a cloth mask because it can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.
A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth face covering unless it has multiple layers of breathable fabric and covers the mouth and nose snugly.
Remember to avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, and frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
