Celebrating the holidays is a tradition for many, including the fun of Halloween which is nearly here. During a pandemic, celebrations will need to be modified in order to be safe, but everyone can still enjoy the season by following some safety tips as strongly advised by the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.

These safety considerations have typically been followed in the past by parents when taking their young ones trick-or-treating:
•    Children should always be accompanied by an adult.
•    Look both ways when crossing the street.                                                              
•    Children should never enter the home of someone they don’t know.
•    Parents should look over the treats to be sure they are safe to eat.

But with the threat of COVID-19 looming, here are some additional tips to consider:

Avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters
•    Avoid crowding at the doorway. Place dots 6 feet apart for children to know where to stand at a safe distance.
•    Give out treats while you are also physically distanced. A decorated “treat shoot” could be a fun way to accomplish this.
•    Give out treats outdoors, if possible.
•    Set up a station with individually bagged treats for kids to take.

Wear a mask
•    Make your cloth mask part of your costume.
•    A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask.
•    Do NOT wear a costume mask over a cloth mask. It can make breathing more difficult.
•    Masks should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing

Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you
•    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.

Wash your hands
•    Wash hands before handling treats.
•    Bring hand sanitizer with you and use it after touching objects or other people.
•    Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
•    Parents: supervise young children using hand sanitizer.
•    Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home and before you eat any treats.

Visit jocogov.org for door hangers welcoming Halloween ghosts and goblins along with tips for tricks-or-treats:
•    Orange - front, back (PNG)
•    White - front, back (PNG)