BHSJCHA Wants Everyone to Have a Safe Halloween

Friday October 22, 2021

We encourage all residents to safely celebrate Halloween and protect our little ghouls and goblins from COVID-19.

“With high transmission and positivity rates in our three counties, we encourage parents, grandparents, and communities to implement strategies to decrease potential for illness among our youngest residents,” says Rebecca Burns, Health Officer. “Halloween is a time of year that children and adults look forward to, where outdoor activity is part of the fun.”

Tips for trick-or-treaters and parents:

• Talk with children about safety and expectations.

• Stay outdoors for activities, especially for those who are unvaccinated.

• Trick-or-treat in small groups or people you live with.

• Avoid congregating or gathering in groups around houses.

•  If going indoors or crowded outdoor settings, wear a face mask, covering nose and mouth.

  • A costume mask (such as for Halloween) is not a substitute for a cloth mask.

  • Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask if wearing both causes difficulty breathing. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.

Tips for homeowners:

• Distribute candy on a table to eliminate direct contact.

• Consider handing out candy in an open space where distancing is possible, rather than from the front door.

• Consider a neighborhood costume parade; it is an easy way to keep safe space between children.

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is committed to promoting wellness, preventing disease, providing health care, and protecting the environment.