October 22, 2020
Dear Students:
Celebrating Halloween this year will be different, but you can still have a fun (and spooky) time while keeping yourself and others healthy.
As with other fall and winter holidays that typically involve large gatherings, the traditional Halloween activities could present varying degrees of risk for contracting and spreading COVID-19. It remains critical that everyone avoid large outdoor gatherings and indoor gatherings of any size with people not part of your household.
With COVID case numbers increasing across Indiana and much of the country, it is important to make proactive choices for your safety and those around you. Family holidays are right around the corner. Consider how your actions now can impact your family plans and the health of your loved ones.
What are safer ways to celebrate Halloween this year?
The best thing we can do this year is to keep activities among our household or host them online. Some safer ways to celebrate Halloween, include:
- Decorating your house, apartment, or living space.
- Doing a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt inside or outside your home with those you live with.
- Holding an online costume contest.
- Having a Halloween movie night with members of your household or co-watching via a streaming service.
- Wear a face covering. Do not use costume masks in place of cloth face coverings.
- Stick with members of your household.
- Continue to physically distance and wash your hands.
In addition to considerations for COVID-19, familiarize yourself with the Party Safety website and Step In. Speak Up. as additional resources to support safe and healthy decision making for you and your friends.
Who should completely avoid in-person Halloween activities
Anyone who has symptoms, tested positive for COVID-19, or had close contact with someone with COVID-19 must completely avoid participating in any in-person activities.
Likewise, anyone who lives or comes into regular contact with someone who is high-risk or immunocompromised should avoid any in-person activities.
Other important considerations
Do you plan to visit with family and friends for Thanksgiving? If so, remember that COVID-19 symptoms can develop 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. According to the CDC, individuals who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate for at least 10 days after the symptoms first appear and at least 24 hours with no fever-reducing medications as other symptoms are improving. Your choices now can significantly impact your plans with your family and friends.
- Maintaining at least a distance of 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people at all times.
- Avoiding crowded places and mass gatherings.
- Avoiding physical contact with others, such as hugging and handshakes.
- Utilizing electronic communications instead of face-to-face interactions where possible.
- And avoiding those who appear to be demonstrating symptoms of COVID-19.
Sincerely,
Office of Health Alcohol and Drug Education
