Happy Halloween! I’m a bit early — but who doesn’t love to celebrate Halloween all month? I have always loved fall, especially the month of October. As a kid I enjoyed all of the usual children’s Halloween activities — going to the pumpkin patch, dressing up, trick-or-treating, etc.! As we all take part in these beloved fall festivities this year, there are some important steps we should all take to stay safe and healthy.
In preparation for a safe Halloween — make sure the kids in your life choose the right costume. Make sure costumes worn while trick-or-treating are visible to people driving cars — light colors are good, and use reflective tape on the costume or candy bag. Kids should wear costumes that fit well, are short enough that they do not trip on the bottom of the costume, and shoes should be well-fitting and sturdy. Be sure to consider the potentially cold Wisconsin weather at the end of October — be ready to add layers of clothing to kids’ costumes.
Avoid trick-or-treating in the dark — check the trick-or-treating date and hours in your municipality and head out while it’s still light outside. Groups of trick-or-treaters should cross the street at crosswalks, rather than in the middle of the street. Children should be accompanied by an adult, and should not enter the homes of strangers. An adult in the group should be sure to carry a flashlight with them.
There are many ways community members can help keep kids safe and healthy this Halloween. If you’re giving out candy at your home be sure your porch is well-lit, keep pets in another room away from your front door, and avoid using candles in pumpkins (try a battery powered “candle” instead). If you’re on the road driving while trick-or-treaters are out you should slow down and watch carefully for children.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 this Halloween the CDC recommends that community members continue to take many of the same precautions that we have been taking. Anyone over the age of 2 should wear a mask, especially when indoors. People who do not live in the same household should physically distance, standing at least 6 feet apart. Additionally, adults or kids should bring hand sanitizer with them while trick-or-treating and use it after touching any frequently touched surfaces. If you’re giving out candy consider making pre-packaged bags to avoid contact with others, and wear a mask if you do come into contact with trick-or-treaters. Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should not go trick-or-treating or hand out candy, and they should get tested for COVID-19. After the holiday, anyone with symptoms should get tested.
One of the best ways to keep yourself and those around you healthy this fall is to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccines are very effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death due to COVID-19. At Green County Public Health, we’ve heard from community members who haven’t quite had the time to get vaccinated, were concerned about needles, or had questions about the vaccine. No matter what your reason has been for holding off on getting vaccinated, our staff are happy to answer any questions you have and will make your experience getting vaccinated a good one. Community members can get the COVID-19 vaccine from Green County Public Health at one of our walk-in clinics on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In addition to getting the COVID-19 vaccine, this time of year it’s important to also get the flu vaccine. Flu season is right around the corner and everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated against the flu. Local pharmacies and healthcare providers offer the flu vaccine, and some employers offer it to their employees as well. It’s recommended to get vaccinated before Halloween.
To keep up-to-date on COVID-19 recommendations and learn more about seasonal health and safety check out the Green County Public Health website and Facebook page. Have a fun and spooky Halloween!
— Bridget Craker is the Public Health Educator for the Green County Public Health Department and can be reached at bcraker@greengountywi.org or 608-328-9509.
