With the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing Halloween will not be the same for many this year, but the Alabama Cooperative Extension System is giving tips on keeping kids safe while trick or treating.
These tips come from Synithia Flowers, who is an Alabama Extension human sciences regional agent.
“It is important to factor the implications of the current COVID-19 pandemic into any potential Halloween plans this year," Flowers said.
Based on advice from the CDC, Flowers advises that families find alternatives to the normal way of trick or treating, such as keeping distance, wearing face coverings, handwashing and keeping away from large crowds.
"Children who have not been exposed may still enjoy limited trick-or-treating after adults weight [sic] the risks,” Flowers said.
Anyone who has been exposed to COVID within the last 14 days should not take part in Halloween activities with other people.
Flowers placed Halloween activities in categories of higher risk, moderate risk and lower risk.
Higher risk activities include trick or treating events, haunted house attractions and other group events. Moderate risk activities are better but still not quite as safe.
"Distanced activities, such as costume parades, movie showings and pumpkin patch visits, are fun alternatives that allow for group settings in the safest way possible," Flowers said. "Other moderate risk activities include contactless trick-or-treating through candy chutes or bag pickups outside of doors."
Low risk include families staying at home and enjoying activities with each other as opposed to those with groups of people where the potential to contract and spread COVID is greater.
For more on Alabama Cooperative Extension System, visit the website.
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