Halloween is still happening, just be safe

By Amanda Rogers

Mansfield Record

COVID-19 has changed a lot of things, but it’s not stopping Halloween.

“The MAC is still having Boo Bash and everything is still going on,” said Trey Kerr, community resource officer for the Mansfield Police Department.

The annual Boo Bash for pint-sized ghouls and goblins is sold out for Friday at the Mansfield Activities Center, but trick-or-treaters are still planning to hit the streets.

And Kerr has some pointers for participating during a pandemic.

“Remember to social distance,” he said. “Have hand sanitizer and have a mask. What better time of year to have a mask?”

Candy should be individually wrapped and the homeowner should hand it out instead of having the kids all dig their hands into the same bowl, Kerr said.

Just like every other Halloween, trick-or-treaters should wear reflective clothing, carry a flashlight and use the sidewalks when they can, he said.

“Drive carefully,” Kerr said. “There will be lots of ghouls and goblins in the neighborhood.”

People who don’t want to participate should leave their lights out, he said. And anything that you don’t want stolen should be put away.

“There’s always someone who wants to pull tricks,” Kerr said. “We don’t really have problems, even with the teenagers.”

Tips for trick-or-treating and handing out treats during a pandemic:

- 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

- Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you

- Indoors and outdoors, you are more likely to get or spread COVID-19 when you are in close contact with others for a long time.

- Wash your hands

- Bring hand sanitizer with you and use it after touching objects or other people.

- Use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent 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, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/halloween.html