Tips and tricks to stay safe from COVID-19 this Halloween

BOSTON — If you’re planning on handing out candy for Halloween this weekend you want to make sure you do so in a safe way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Experts say the best way to do so is to take candy and put it into individual bags - that way children are not putting their hands all in the same bowl.

A lot of families plan to put those individual baggies spread out on a table outside their front door or at the end of their driveway.

When you greet trick or treaters make sure you yourself are wearing a mask, and if you’re out with the kids make sure they’re wearing a mask with their costume as well.

[ Trick-or-treating risks during a pandemic ]

When they come to your door, you want to make sure you keep a safe distance of at least six feet apart.

“The neighborhood we live in, there’s a ton of trick or treaters that come through, so we really wanted to keep celebrating the holiday and trying to do it in a safe way,” said Shawn Huxley, who lives in Walpole.

Huxley is making sure to keep a safe distance from trick or treaters with a huge candy chute.

“The pipe itself is ten feet long, so we’re going to be up at the top of the stairs,” said Huxley

That’s where he’ll throw candy in and kids can catch it on the other end into their bags.

“They’re pretty straight forward in putting together,” said Huxley. “So we just got some PVC piping and got some information online on how to build it.”

[ Trick or treat? Massachusetts cities, towns release guidance, tips for a safe Halloween ]

If you don’t feel comfortable going door to door trick or treating this year because of the pandemic, another option is to have a scavenger hunt in your own backyard for candy.

No matter what you do this Halloween, make sure you wash your hands before you hand out candy, and after you bring it all home before digging in.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention issued the following tips on how to adapt your Halloween plans:

Make trick-or-treating safer

Avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters.
Give out treats outdoors, if possible.
Set up a station with individually bagged treats for kids to take.
Wash hands before handling treats.

Wear a mask

Make your cloth mask part of your costume.
A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask.
Do NOT wear a costume mask over a cloth mask. It can make breathing more difficult.
Masks should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing

Wash your hands

Bring hand sanitizer with you and use it after touching objects or other people.
Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Parents: supervise young children using hand sanitizer.
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home and before you eat any treats.

For more information, you can visit the CDC’s website here.

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