10/22/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/22/2021 10:18
This Halloween, HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital is recommending parents take precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Although trick-or-treating is mostly an outdoor activity, there is still opportunity for close contact with neighbors," said Dr. Vinay Bhooma, St. Elizabeth's chief medical officer. "So, it is important to remember that we are in the middle of a pandemic and we need to continue to wear a facemask, wash our hands and maintain social distance."
The Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) recommends that if you are trick-or-treating it should be outdoors and in small groups. Parents around the world have had to make adjustments for their children as the pandemic continues, but there are some fun alternatives to consider this Halloween.
A few trick-or-treating alternatives include:
Contact-less trick-or-treating is possible by creating individual treat bags and leaving them on a table on your front walkways, sidewalks or any outdoor space that allows for at least 6 feet of social distance from the door.
Costume and traffic safety are also important. According to the National Safety Council, Halloween brings about more risks for children than any other day of the year.
The organization recommends the following:
The best way to keep safe this holiday season is by getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu. For more tips on how to celebrate the holidays safely, visit the CDC or the IDPH website.