Halloween safety

As the COVID-19 pandemic wains on and enters its second fall – many in the community are wondering if it is safe to go Trick-or-treating this Halloween?

MountainView Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr. Domenic Martinello said the No. 1 priority should be to keep COVID-19 precautions at the forefront of the mind during Halloween.

“You can still be safe and have fun,” Dr. Martinello said. Hand hygiene, mask wearing, and social distancing are still necessary. He also wanted to remind people that, “You can socially distance and still be around people.” But he also provided more cautious alternatives which still leave room to enjoy the holiday.

Don’t want a mask to throw off a costume? Try incorporating the mask into the whole look. Also, keep in mind that you can still have fun decorating your homes. And if you would like to keep you distance when passing out candy, try a candy slide where you place candy into a tube which will allow it to slide down and into a trick-or-treater’s bag. Want to get away from the house? Try an outdoor, Trunk-or-Treating event in your local area.

Dr. Martinello said, “The biggest thing to remember is hand washing and wear a face mask that covers the nose and mouth.”

While maintaining COVID-19 precautions can seem overwhelming during Halloween, it is still very important.

“Our hope is that these precaution will one day not be necessary, but right now they are,” said Dr. Martinello.

Have fun, be safe and sanitize!