The best way to protect yourself, family, and community from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. Everyone age 12 and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and very effective at preventing infections. Those who are eligible should get a booster dose of vaccine to make sure they stay protected.
“Halloween is a fun tradition for Colorado families and being mindful and exercising precautions will help keep Coloradans safe. Thanks to the COVID-19 vaccines, many Coloradans are now protected from the virus, but COVID-19 is still spreading in Colorado. Consider wearing a mask even if you are fully vaccinated, and try to have your celebration outdoors as it’s generally safer than indoor gatherings. Keep indoor celebrations small and wear a mask (in addition to any costume mask you may have on) to protect against COVID-19,” said Dr. Eric France, chief medical officer, CDPHE.
Coloradans should think carefully about how to lower the risk of contracting COVID-19 this Halloween -- for themselves, their families, and communities. Here are some ideas about how to celebrate safely.
Tips and tricks for Halloween festivities:
· Protect yourself and others.
o Do not attend in-person celebrations if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and are currently in quarantine, or have tested positive for COVID-19 and are currently isolating.
o People aged 2 and older who are not fully vaccinated should wear a mask in indoor public spaces.
o Consider wearing a mask even if you are fully vaccinated. Wearing a mask can help protect against breakthrough cases and help prevent the spread.
o People with weakened immune systems may not be fully protected even if they are fully vaccinated. If you are immunocompromised, consider talking with your doctor/health care provider about getting an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as well as what precautions you should continue to take.
o If you are eligible, you should get a booster dose of vaccine to make sure you stay protected.
· Choose the safest activities for children under 12.
o Right now, children under 12 can’t get vaccinated against COVID-19. Until a vaccine becomes available for younger children, the best thing parents can do is to get vaccinated themselves.
o One of the easiest ways to make an activity safer for unvaccinated children age 2 and older is to ask your child to wear a mask. If accompanying adults wear masks as well, this may help normalize and encourage mask-wearing for children.
o Gather with family members and close friends who you know have been vaccinated. If all other attendees at an activity are vaccinated, the risk to unvaccinated children is low.
· Masks
o Costume masks are not a substitute for masks that protect against COVID-19. Masks that protect against COVID-19 should be made from two or more breathable fabric layers that cover the nose and mouth, with no gaps around the face. Wear COVID-19 protective masks when indoors or if you are not fully vaccinated.
o If wearing a costume mask over a cloth mask makes it hard to breathe, consider a themed cloth mask as part of the costume instead.
· Choose the safest activities for everyone.
o Outdoor gatherings are generally safer than indoor gatherings.
o Smaller groups are generally safer than larger groups.
o Shorter gatherings are generally safer than longer gatherings.
Find additional ideas for a safer Halloween this year, visit https://covid19.colorado.gov/