With Halloween quickly approaching, there is serious concern this will serve as a significant source of spread of COVID-19 in communities.

The Pettis County Health Center offers tips for reducing the risk of coronavirus transmission during Halloween and making “Trick-or-Treating” safer.

Health-department officials say:
· Avoid direct contact with “Trick-or-Treaters”.
· Give out treats outdoors, if possible.
· Set up a station with individually-bagged treats for kids to take.
· Wash your hands before handling treats.
· Make your cloth mask part of your costume.
· A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask.
· Do not wear a costume mask over a cloth mask because it can make breathing more difficult.
· Masks should not be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing.
· Parents are advised to bring hand sanitizer with at least 60-percent alcohol with them, and use it after touching objects or other people. Parents are urged to supervise children using hand sanitizer.