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11/11/20, 6:27 PMSafety tips to make Halloween less frightful | Arts & Entertainment | newsoforange.com <br />Page 2 of 2https://www.newsoforange.com/arts_and_entertainment/article_1830e96c-153c-11eb-a9a2-cf64ca29fb15.html <br />In a typical year, OCHD emphasizes the importance of Halloween candy-seekers being seen, wearing <br />bright colors, using crosswalks, being aware of moving cars and trick-or-treating in groups. The germ <br />aspect was never much of an issue. <br />COVID also has changed how treats should be given out. <br />“We have guidance on how to structure one way trick-or-treating,” Prelipp said. “We also have <br />signage you can print out that’s in English and Spanish to help. One way trick-or-treating with <br />individually wrapped goodie bags, and they’re lined up for families to take and go so you don’t have <br />that shared bowl of candy. The idea is that you could have that set up at the edge of your driveway <br />or the edge of your yard. Whoever is preparing the goodie bags would have to follow the same <br />hand-hygiene guidelines of washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before <br />and after preparing the bags.” <br />Another point is the importance of social distancing and continuing to wear cloth face masks, even if <br />you’re wearing a costume mask. Prelipp said the cloth masks should not be worn under the costume <br />masks as it could be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breath. People could consider <br />using a Halloween-themed cloth mask. <br />“There are a lot of cool masks out there,” she said. <br />Lower risk alternatives to trick-or-treating include — if you’re sticking with your household members <br />— decorating pumpkins, decorating your home and yard, and some people are doing a Halloween <br />scavenger hunt for the kids. Also virtual Halloween costume contests and Halloween movie night. <br />“If you’re going to do the moderate risk activities, just make sure you go into it knowing the parts <br />that are more risky,” Prelipp said. “For instance, let’s say there’s a lot of local places o"ering a <br />haunted attraction that you can walk through, if you’re going to be really afraid, you typically shout <br />or scream. When you do that, more of the virus that might be in you goes out.”