Here is a list of some safety tips to help you all stay safe during this spooky season as you have fun with friends and family amidst COVID-19.
by Darion Allen, WSUM Talk Director
1. Make Masks Part of the Costume
We are living in a day and age where masks are an essential addition to our daily outfits for the sake of safety. However, there is no reason why masks cannot be integrated into an awesome costume. Be creative and think of ways to incorporate your mask into your costume, but be sure to avoid painting masks yourself as some paints can be toxic.
2. Outdoor Activities > Indoor Activities
Engaging in activities indoors generally presents more risk in spreading COVID-19 than events held outdoors. Further, indoor activities in settings with poor ventilation also pose more risks that settings with good ventilation (open windows/doors). To combat this, try to attend activities that are being held outside and encourage social distancing. Try to make the effort to keep the distance and prioritize your health while having fun!
3. Keep it Moving!
The CDC released information that indicates events that last longer pose more risk than short events. That being said, if you are attending an event that is long, plan on not staying the entire time to minimize your social interactions and time spent among different people.
4. Stay Prepared!
Halloween is a time in which we all interact with many different people, surfaces, and objects (most of which are foreign to us). Do your part by carrying hand sanitizer on you at all times and ensuring that you are washing your hands at every possible opportunity. In addition, keep an extra mask or two for yourself or for others. Minimize those germs!
5. Connect Virtually!
If you are hesitant about going out this Halloween or would rather just stay at home anyway, plan on connecting with others virtually. Carve pumpkins with friends back at home through video chat or call your family to share a cup of hot cocoa together. Halloween does not have to be cancelled if you want to stay at home base this year!
6. Be Alert!
One of the easiest things one could do to be safe this Halloween is to simply be alert. Make sure that you are aware of your surroundings and have a sense of direction wherever you are. Halloween is a time of chocolate and sweets, but for others it may be a time to consume some more bitter treats. So, stay safe and remember to prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you as you navigate this spooky season.
7. Have Fun!
Nothing more to be said than this. Go out and have fun! Happy Halloween
References:
Check out these other articles for more information on how to be safe this Halloween =).
https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/autumn/halloween
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/halloween.html
