Statewide — During Wednesday’s COVID-19 briefing with Governor Eric Holcomb, Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box said she doesn’t want to be the “witch” who ruins Halloween, but she doesn’t want COVID-19 to ruin it either. Dr. Box gave several recommendations for Halloween activities this year based on what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released last week.
Health officials stressed if you have symptoms or were in close contact with someone who does, don’t participate in Halloween activities. The state also recommends if you are at high risk for COVID-19, or you know someone who is, stay away from crowds this Halloween. The recommendations were categorized from low to high-risk activities.
Low risk: Activities include anything where you are staying indoors or around your home. That includes carving or decorating pumpkins, doing a scavenger hunt outside, or indoor trick-or-treating with family. Any virtual event would also be considered low risk.
Moderate risk: Activities could include, a “one-way” trick-or-treat system where neighbors prepare wrapped items for kids to pick up from the end of their driveways or yards. If you are preparing a bag, DR. Box recommends you wash your hands first. Dr. Box also recommends doing an outdoor costume parade, party while social distancing, going to a pumpkin patch, or doing an outdoor movie night.
High risk: Activities are the more traditional Halloween events including door-to-door trick-or-treating. Trunk-or-treat, where cars hand out candy in a parking lot, is also considered high risk according to Dr. Box. Any type of large Halloween party or haunted house is not recommended.
