Halloween is just around the corner, and public health officials are encouraging everyone to celebrate safely.
The biggest advice is the same we’ve been hearing throughout the COVID-19 pandemic: practice social distancing, avoid large gatherings, and wear a mask.
But a spooky plastic mask is no substitute for a cloth face covering, when it comes to preventing the spread of the coronavirus. So health officials suggest people get creative — and incorporate a proper face covering into their costumes.
Champaign-Urbana Public Health Administrator Julie Pryde says people should only trick-or-treat outdoors — and with members of their own household.
“The issue is having groups get together,” Pryde says. “Halloween parties are very much a concern to us. Anything that involves gathering indoors is especially problematic.”
Those who want to distribute candy should leave it spread out — outside — on a table at least six feet away from the door.
Trick-or-treaters should sanitize or wash hands before eating candy. And dental hygiene is still important during a pandemic, so make sure to brush your teeth.