While participating in any Halloween activities, Driscoll Children’s Hospital physicians are suggesting South Texas parents follow these Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

While trick-or-treating: 

• Wear a safety mask and incorporate it in with your costume.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you. Whether you are indoors or outdoors, you are more likely to get or spread COVID-19 when you are in close contact with others for a long time.
• Bring hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) with you and use it after touching objects or other people. Parents should supervise young children using hand sanitizer.
• When you get home, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before you eat any treats.

When handing out candy: 

• Help make trick-or-treating safer by avoiding direct contact with trick-or-treaters.
• Give out treats outdoors, if possible.
• Wash hands before handling any treats.
• Remember to wear a mask.

How to properly wear a mask at Halloween: 

• A costume mask is not a suitable substitute for a cloth mask. Do NOT wear a costume mask over a cloth mask, it can make breathing more difficult. Instead, make your cloth mask part of your costume.
• Masks should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing.
• Remember to avoid large gatherings, wear a mask and maintain physical distancing.

Other fun ways to safely celebrate Halloween: 

• Decorate or carve pumpkins.
• Watch your favorite Halloween movie.
• Have a virtual costume party.
• Make Halloween arts and crafts.
• Tell scary stories with your family.
• Play hide and seek around the house with your favorite Halloween treats.