Staying safe during the second Halloween in the pandemic

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - While costumes and movies used to be the scariest thing about Halloween, there are still some real-life fears surrounding the holiday and coronavirus.

Though many Americans are now vaccinated against the virus, which removes some risk, experts say it's still smart to take some precautions this weekend.

Those include moving festivities outdoors, gathering with only those who are vaccinated, and wearing a mask when necessary. Since trick-or-treating is an outdoor activity with kids only coming into contact with others for a short period of time, both the CDC and the El Paso County Health Department say the activity is safe and should still take place despite the pandemic.

“We certainly want people to have a fun Halloween, but also a safe one," said Kristi Durbin of the El Paso County Public Health Department. "So we would recommend outdoor gatherings over indoor, we do recommend everyone wears a mask when they’re inside if they’re going to be at a gathering.”

While 7 out of 10 El Paso County adults are vaccinated, kids under twelve are not. Children's Hospital of Colorado urges everyone to be smart.

“Try to distance yourself from people who aren’t in the same household," said Amanda Abramczyk-Thill, Injury Prevention & Outreach Coordinator for Colorado Children's Hospital. "Try to take turns when you go up to the door steps, so that you have some distance between others.”

After kids missed out on so many important childhood memories over the last two years, health experts are encouraging families to get outside and go trick-or-treating safely.

“It’s a great activity that can be safe, so it’s not something that we’re advising anyone to stay home and not participate in, of course following the guidance already stated," said Abramczyk-Thill. "So please enjoy it as a family and help your kids have a fun time."

If you are feeling sick or are currently in quarantine you should not participate in trick-or-treating, or other Halloween festivities.

You can find local resources, including vaccinations and testing centers, by clicking this link.