Everything You Need to Know to Have a Safe Halloween

Well here it is....Halloween week with the big day arriving this Saturday.  Like everything else this year, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives, our including events and holidays. Halloween is no exception, Blessing Hospital has provided for individuals the following guidelines to keep everyone happy and healthy this Halloween.

Trick-or-treating

While some communities have chosen to forgo Halloween trick-or-treating altogether, many have chosen to not cancel the tradition. Here are a few tips to remember to stay safe while trick-or-treating this year:

• Maintain 6-feet of social distance. This applies to both trick-or-treaters and those handing out candy.
• Wear a proper face covering. A Halloween mask is not a proper substitute for a cloth face covering. Ensure that breathing is not impaired if a cloth mask is worn under a costume mask. If breathing is impaired, discard the costume mask. Masks should also be worn by individuals handing out candy.
• Consider leaving individually wrapped candy (spaced apart) on a table in the driveway, sidewalk or any outdoor space where 6-fee of distance can be maintained.
• Trick-or-treat in groups with household members only.
• Wash your hands prior to eating any candy that is collected during trick-or-treating.

Haunted Houses

While permissible in other states, haunted houses are currently not allowed in the Restore Illinois Phase 4 guidelines. As an alternative, consider an open-air, one-way haunted forest or haunted walk where 6-feet of distance can be maintained and face coverings are used.

Adult Costume Parties and Social Gatherings

• In Illinois, gatherings of more than 50 people or 50% or more of a building’s maximum occupancy are still prohibited at this time.
• The more time you spend at a gathering, the closer the contact, the more people, the higher your risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Hayrides

• Hayrides should not exceed 50% capacity with parties spaced at least six feet apart.
• Hayride participants should wear face coverings at all times when around others not from your own household.

If you participate in any social gathering this Halloween and you think you may have been exposed during the event, take extra precautions for 14 days after the event to help protect others. You should consider:

• Staying home as much as possible.
• Avoid being around people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
• Consider getting tested for COVID-19.

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