COVID-19: Doctors remind everyone how to celebrate Halloween safely during pandemic
SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Doctors at Marian Regional Medical Center are projecting trick-or-treaters will be out and about this Halloween weekend.
But as the Coronavirus pandemic continues, they want to make sure everyone celebrates Halloween safely.
Doctors want to make sure everyone celebrates Halloween safely.
“It’s important to take some very basic precautions and infection control precautions in place. You want to limit any sort of hand to hand contact with anybody that you may be in countering while you’re out trick-or-treating,” said Dr. Scott Robertson with Marian Regional Medical Center.
When it comes to masks, Robertson says costume masks are not good enough protection from COVID-19.
"So it’s important that you wear a cloth mask or a medical grade safety mask and not over or under your Halloween costume mask because this could cause some breathing difficulties," said Robertson.
If you are going trick or treating, doctors suggest wearing a face mask that goes with your costume.
"If you wanted to use some sanitizers over the wrapping that would certainly be helpful as well," said Robertson.
But you want to stay away from any sort of unwrapped treats such as fruits.
And if you're going out with other families or friends, he says maintain physical distance.
"We always go through the kids candy anyways we’re just going to wipe it down and keep it for a day or two and then let them have it," said parent Christiane Magana of Santa Maria.
Some families say instead of trick or treating this year they’re going to a drive through Halloween event to celebrate Halloween.
Due to the pandemic, doctors do not recommend receiving or giving out unwrapped items.
If you're going to participate in this year's Halloween trick-or-treating, doctors recommend handing out wrapped items.
If you're going out in a costume, they recommend wearing a face mask that goes with your costume.
However, wearing a face mask underneath a costume mask can be dangerous and is not recommended.
Find out more on how you can celebrate Halloween in a healthy and safe way this year on KCOY NewsChannel 12.
