Health officials offer tips and tricks for Halloween

Celebrating Halloween is a cherished fall tradition for many people across Colorado, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are ways to minimize the risk of catching or spreading the virus while still having fun.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment advises Coloradans to think carefully about how they can lower the risk, not only for themselves and their families, but for their communities.

It is still very important to follow best practices to help prevent the virus from spreading. Coloradans should wear masks that fully cover their nose and mouth, wash hands frequently and maintain 6 feet of distance from people outside their household.

The department also reminds Coloradans that parties with alcohol and drugs can cloud judgment and increase riskier behaviors.

Tips and tricks for Halloween festivities include:

— Follow local guidance. COVID-19 risk varies depending on the spread in specific communities, so follow the guidance of the local public health department. Use Colorado’s COVID dial framework (covid19.colorado.gov/data/covid-19-dial) to help determine how to celebrate Halloween in your community this year, especially when considering group sizes.

— Protect yourself and others. Regardless of your community’s level on the dial dashboard, people should not participate in any in-person activities, including handing out candy, if they are sick, especially with COVID-19 symptoms; have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and are currently in the quarantine period; or have recently tested positive for COVID-19 and are currently in the isolation period. People at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should think about the risks and benefits of activities they are considering.

— Choose the safest options. Outdoor gatherings are generally safer than indoor gatherings. Smaller groups are generally safer than larger groups.

The full article is available in our e-Edition. Click here to subscribe.