Now that the weather is cooling and the holidays are approaching, public health officials are urging us to be more vigilant than ever about following the practices that have proven to be the most effective measures in slowing the spread of COVID.

The Tri-County Health Department has released a detailed list of guidelines we all should follow on the first of these holidays: Halloween. Many communities and neighborhoods are adjusting their trick-or-treating plans this year in response to the virus, and following this advice will enable you and your family to have traditional Halloween fun without endangering anyone’s health. Adhering to these guidelines is essential to prevent a spike in COVID cases, which have been rising in recent weeks throughout Colorado and much of the U.S.

Tri-County’s Halloween recommendations largely mirror the agency’s advice about small-group gatherings, only with holiday-specific suggestions such as keeping your trick-or-treating groups under 10 people, having your group wait at a distance if there’s another group at someone’s door, avoiding entering anyone’s house on your route, and having everyone wash their hands and make sure their candy is sealed before eating any of it.

The agency also suggests some alternatives for this year’s celebrations. These include:

• Having a family-only scary movie marathon.
• Hosting a dance or pumpkin-carving party, or a costume contest or parade, preferably outdoors or virtually.
• Calling ahead to check COVID precautions if you’re going to a corn maze or haunted house.

But before you attend an outside event, be aware that all public health experts agree that avoiding gatherings, if you can, is highly recommended right now, as is wearing masks, practicing frequent hand washing, and maintaining social distancing when you are with others. Among Tri-County’s additional Halloween tips:

• Don’t assume that a small group of friends or family is automatically safe. If you’re going to host or attend a Halloween party, plan it in advance to ensure that everyone maintains social distancing and limits the number of shared items, such as serving utensils or group games.
• Make it clear to all potential attendees that anyone who feels sick or is exhibiting any COVID symptoms should skip the party and stay home. This is especially crucial for vulnerable populations.
• Consider inviting people to attend in shifts.
• Clean and sanitize frequently and thoroughly throughout the party, and have plenty of antibacterial soap and hand sanitizer available for guests.
• If you’re inside, open doors and windows to increase ventilation, and offer masks or face coverings to anyone who doesn’t have them.

These are just some of the recommendations Tri-County has made for small gatherings, and for Halloween. Read them both thoroughly so you can take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of COVID and still spend some safe and fulfilling time with friends and family.