Despite COVID-19, trick-or-treating in Albany will continue, but possibly on a limited basis and will see changes from normal years.

As a reminder, Albany City Council has voted to set official hours for trick-or-treating from 5-8 p.m. on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31.

However, council members are asking both trick-or-treaters and people who pass out candy on Halloween to use their own discretion and take precautions, not only the normal safety measures one would expect on Halloween night, but also in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local officials are encouraging those who do trick-or-treat to limit activity to their own neighborhood areas, not to travel in large numbers to help maintain social distancing, and try to limit activity primarily to family if possible.

Also, those who accept little spooks and goblins have some alternatives to consider, primarily leaving porch lights lit and possibly leaving candy sitting outside in a safe place where children do not have to make close contact with others during the evening.

Also, many may consider alternatives to Halloween night, such as independent “trunk-or-treat” venues that allow children to get treated without the necessity of even leaving their vehicles, such as church drive-thru events.

Wear a safety mask if at all possible when being around other people.

Wishing for everyone, despite the situation, to have a safe, happy and fun 2020 Halloween.

Halloween safety suggestions

Like everything else in this COVID-19 year of 2020, expect this Saturday’s Halloween holiday to be like none other that has ever been.

With fears of contracting or spreading the COVID-19 virus, many considerations must be taken in order to keep everyone participating in any Halloween events safe – whether it be trick or treating as a single family door to door, or hosting a Halloween event for others, it’s going to take on a different theme – if you play it safe.

The following is a list of dos, don’t sand alternate suggestions, as supplied to the Clinton County News by the Lake Cumberland District Health Department.

Have a safe but happy Halloween – 2020.

Guidance for Celebrating Halloween

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be very important to use caution and plan ahead for Halloween activities. Always follow current state public health executive orders and any rules/regulations that have been established by your local community before making decisions about Halloween activities.

Some communities may decide to cancel Halloween events. Make sure to check local sources before making plans.

Please visit http://www.kycovid19.ky.govfor guidance, incidence rate maps and other information. CDC guidance for holiday celebrations, including Halloween, can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#halloween.

This guidance is designed to curb the spread of COVID-19. It will be reassessed and may be updated as the situation evolves.

Please help keep Halloween fun and safe for our children by focusing on them and avoid participating in adult activities that further increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Recommended

Activities

Trick-or-Treat the Safe Way

If trick-or-treating is permitted in your community, please trick-or-treat the safe way.

• Place individually wrapped candy outside on the porch, driveway, or table.

• Maintain a social distance of at least six feet from anyone not within your household.

• Always wear a face covering. Halloween masks DO NOT count as a face covering.

• Clean hands before and after touching the wrapped candy.

• Trick-or-treat with family groups and don’t congregate in large groups.

• Trick-or-treat in your own neighborhood and do not travel to other neighborhoods.

• Use hand sanitizer often, especially after contacting frequently touched surfaces and before eating anything. As you decide what Halloween activities to participate in, consider the COVID-19 risk.

Additional lower-risk

activities

These lower-risk activities can be safe alternatives:

• Carve or decorate pumpkins with members of your household and display them.

• Decorate your house, apartment, or living space.

• Have a virtual Halloween costume contest.

• Have a scavenger hunt for Halloween treats with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house.

• Watch Halloween movies with people you live with.

• Hold drive-by costume or car decorating contests with judges who are social distancing.

Moderate-risk activities

• Have an outdoor, socially distanced parade where people are social distanced >6 feet apart.

• Visit a pumpkin patch or orchard where people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or picking apples. Masks and social distancing should be followed at these activities.

• Have an outdoor Halloween movie night with local family and friends.

This event should include social distancing and gatherings should be limited to 10 or fewer people, as is currently mandated in Kentucky by Executive Order.

Avoid Higher-risk activities

Avoid these higher-risk activities to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

• Traditional trick-or-treat where treats are handed to children that go door-to-door.

• Trunk-or-treat events where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in large parking lots.

• Costume parties.

• Haunted houses where people may be crowded together and screaming.

• Hayrides or tractor rides.

• Fall festivals outside your community if you live in an area with community spread of COVID-19.

• Any event with large crowds.

Parents and Guardians

• Wipe candy wrappers with sanitizing wipes. (NOTE: Never wipe unwrapped food with wipes.)

• Allow children to eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid homemade treats from individuals you do not know.

• If your child is at greater risk of complications from COVID-19, use extra caution and avoid moderate and high-risk activities.

• Stay home if you are sick.

• Consider people in your household who may be at risk for greater complications if COVID-19 is brought into the home, such as those with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, or older family members before participating in any holiday activity.

Community Members

• Reach out to neighbors to discuss ways to ensure social distancing, safe distribution of candy, and the need for face coverings.

• Do not allow children to select their own treats from a common bowl or container.

Place treats, spaced apart, on porch steps, a table or the driveway with a sign asking children to take only one.

Consider other creative ways of getting the candy to the children, such as a candy slide made of PVC pipe or hanging treats from a wall or fence.

For Operators of

Events/Attractions

• Follow all state executive orders and guidelines, as well as local requirements and guidelines.

• Reduce capacity to allow for six foot distancing between groups as well as employees/volunteers at all times.

• Reinforce distancing rules with markers or dividers.

• Have hand sanitizer readily available for all participants.

• Pre-sell tickets to ensure capacities are limited.

• Consider eliminating common seating areas or play areas where children may congregate. If seating is provided, keep it outdoors and separate benches/tables by at least six feet. Sanitize seating and tables between each use.

• Notify your local health department immediately if you learn that someone with COVID-19 has visited your attraction.