Enjoy Halloween Safely With These COVID-19 Precautions

Published on October 25, 2021

The Unified Government Public Health Department (UGPHD) has outlined some basic precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 while we all enjoy the traditions and festivities common during this time of year.

Trick or Treating or “Trunk or Treat” Event Tips

If you and your family are participating in either trick or treating, or one of the many “Trunk or Treat” events throughout Wyandotte County this season, here are some tips:

• Cars should be spaced 6 feet apart at Trunk or Treat events
• Wait on others to leave the trunk/house in front of you before approaching. Don’t have groups of people intermingling or close together unless they live in the same household.
• Space candy out on your driveway or in individual bags on a fence for trick or treaters to pick up

Though traditional trick or treating or attending trunk or treat events are outdoor activities, there is still some COVID risk. If you choose to participate in these activities take these additional precautions:

• Incorporate a cloth or surgical mask into your costume
• Practice social distancing of at least six feet from people from outside of your household.
• Clean hands with hand sanitizer or soap and water before eating candy
• Sanitize high-touch surfaces like door handles.

Higher-risk Halloween activities would include indoor Halloween parties or other indoor gatherings. It is safer to gather outdoors whenever possible. If you do choose to gather indoors, it is especially important to wear masks and practices social distancing to make the gathering safer.

The UGPHD encourages people to consider these lower-risk activities:

• Online parties or contests such as virtual costume contests or pumpkin carving contests
• Drive up events such as drive-in Halloween movies, or drive-through treat pick-up
• Decorate your residence
• Take a walk or drive around your neighborhood to see other peoples’ decorations