CDC releases guide for trick-or-treating safety

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released guidelines for celebrating Halloween safely amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

On top of coronavirus guidelines that trick-or-treaters need to follow, there are road dangers kids need to look out for, too.

According to the CDC, families need to plan to have a socially distant Halloween this year. Trick-or-treaters must stay in smaller groups, at least six feet apart from each other.

But the space between kids, plus dark-colored costumes, may make them harder to spot for drivers.

On top of carrying a flashlight or glow sticks, parents can decorate their kids' costumes with reflective tape to make them more visible in the night.

To make sure no one in your group strays, and to maintain social-distancing from other groups, plan your trick-or-treating route ahead of time.

This can also help minimize street-crossing at unmarked intersections.

According to CDCC guidelines, full-face costume masks are not a safe substitute for fabric or medical-grade face masks.

Wearing a fabric mask underneath your costume mask isn't an option either, as it can restrict breathing.

Instead, opt for a costume mask that covers the eyes only. Then you can use a cloth or medical mask over the mouth.

Parents should still check their kids' candy to make sure it's safe to eat, but not until 48 to 72 hours after trick-or-treating, as COVID-19 can survive up to three days on some surfaces.

Parents with kids under the age of ten should still accompany their child for trick-or-treating.

If you're on the road on Halloween, make sure to turn your headlights on early and drive slowly, especially through residential areas.