As Halloween approaches, the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Health has released guidelines as well as ideas to celebrate the holiday in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ideas for safer, low-risk activities include:
- Hosting a scary movie watch party online,
- Organizing a neighborhood pumpkin carving contest and carving the pumpkins with people in your household or hosting a virtual Halloween costume contest.
DOH also recommends that Hawai‘i residents stay updated on county gathering guidelines and follow these recommendations:
- Incorporate a cloth or surgical mask into your costume that covers both your nose and your mouth. A costume mask is not a suitable substitute. Choose bright colors and flame-retardant materials. Add reflective tape to costumes or treat bags if families plan to be out after dark.
- Set up low contact, pre-packaged treats for trick-or-treaters.
- Outdoors is safer than indoors. Trick-or-treat in small groups outdoors or enjoy other outdoors activities. Avoid crowded indoor parties.
- Stay home if you are feeling sick, even if you are experiencing mild symptoms.
- Wash your hands before eating candy. Parents should examine treats before consumption.
- Get vaccinated: Adults and children age 12 and older should get a COVID-19 vaccine, and everyone six months and older should get a flu shot.