OCEAN COUNTY – Last Halloween, it wasn’t as fun for many trick-or-treaters due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. This year since many restrictions have been lifted, kids can enjoy a normal Halloween and go door-to-door filling their baskets with candy.
Although the health risks aren’t as scary as last year, the Ocean County Health Department wants to remind residents to still take precautions to help prevent your children from getting sick.
“We want children of all ages to enjoy this Halloween primarily since so many events and festivities were cancelled last year,” Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department Health Coordinator/Health Officer said. “Despite the progress from a year ago, parents still need to ensure their children are being cautious and one of the best ways to do that is keeping the festivities outdoors and avoid the indoor gatherings.”
The following are some important Do’s and Don’ts the OCHD have listed to keep your children safe this Halloween:
DO’S
- Best place to trick-or-treat or enjoy festivities is outdoors
- Trick-or-treat in small groups of friends
- Keep hands clean (keep a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol-base on hand)
- Get the COVID-19 vaccine (age 12 & older) and your flu shot
- Take only wrapped treats
- Wash hands when done trick-or-treating and before eating candy
- Wear a mask in a crowded setting if unvaccinated. (costume masks are not a substitute for masks designed to limit the spread of viral particles)
DON’TS
- Don’t trick-or-treat if you’re sick or feel sick
- If unvaccinated, stay away from indoor parties and gatherings
- Keep away from crowded doorsteps when trick-or-treating
- Don’t use a costume mask as a substitute for a cloth/surgical mask
- Don’t try on all your friends costume masks
- Don’t go indoors to accept treats
“It’s important to remember that people who are not vaccinated are still at great risk of contracting COVID-19 and transmitting it to others. Getting vaccinated is still the best form of protection and we encourage people to get the vaccine especially as we head into the heart of another holiday season and head back indoors with the changing of seasons,” Regenye said.
For more information on COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccines, visit the Ocean County Health Department website at ochd.org.
