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CDC recommends general COVID-19 guidelines for Halloween activities

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CDC recommends general COVID-19 guidelines for Halloween activities

FILE ART: Nancy Wilkinson said she will start planning next Halloween’s decorations on November 1. “I’m a lunatic, I make notes about what works and what to do next year.’ Wilkinson said she began decorating her Adair Street yard in 2004, and it’s not just for Halloween. Wilkinson’s yard art is ever changing. “It’s fun and challenging. It’s like a full-time hobby.” She said. “And I get to learn things like soldering and setting up Paper Mache.” Wilkinson said due to Covid-19 this year she will be turning off the lights on Halloween night. Photo by Dean Hesse.
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Atlanta, GA — Halloween might still look different this year as spooky creatures, superheros, princesses, and a variety of other characters trick-or-treat with some COVID-19 safety precautions still in place.

The DeKalb County Board of Health is encouraging those who participate in Halloween activities to follow the guidance for celebrating holidays from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Generally, the CDC recommends that those who are eligible to get vaccinated do so, in order to protect individuals, like young children, who cannot get the COVID-19 vaccine.

The CDC additionally recommends that everyone wear a well-fitting face mask that covers both one’s nose and mouth while in public indoor settings. Individuals who are vaccinated should wear a mask in public indoor settings in communities with substantial to high transmission. DeKalb County is considered to be an area of substantial risk.

Additional guidance includes:

– Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.

– If someone is sick or has symptoms, they should not host or attend a gathering.

– If anyone has symptoms of COVID-19 or is in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, they should get tested.

Here is the CDC’s full list of recommendations for holiday celebrations. (The original guidance specific to Halloween has been removed from the website and users are being directed to the holiday celebrations guidelines.)

Safer Ways to Celebrate Holidays

Holiday traditions are important for families and children. There are several ways to enjoy holiday traditions and protect your health. Because many generations tend to gather to celebrate holidays, the best way to minimize COVID-19 risk and keep your family and friends safer is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible.

Here are safer ways to celebrate the holidays:

Generally:

– Protect those not yet eligible for vaccination such as young children by getting yourself and other eligible people around them vaccinated.

– Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated.

. Even those who are fully vaccinated should wear a mask in public indoor settings in communities with substantial to high transmission.

. Outdoors is safer than indoors.

. Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.

. If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering.

. Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have a close contact with someone who has COVID-19.

If you are considering traveling for a holiday or event, visit CDC’s Travel page to help you decide what is best for you and your family. CDC still recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated.

– If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow CDC’s domestic travel or international travel recommendations for unvaccinated people.

– If you will be traveling in a group or family with unvaccinated people, choose safer travel options.

– Everyone, even people who are fully vaccinated, is required to wear a mask on public transportation and follow international travel recommendations.

Special considerations:

– People who have a condition or are taking medications that weaken their immune system may not be fully protected even if they are fully vaccinated and have received an additional dose. They should continue to take all precautions recommended for unvaccinated people, including wearing a well-fitted mask, until advised otherwise by their healthcare provider.

– You might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission if a member of your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated.

– If you are gathering with a group of people from multiple households and potentially from different parts of the country, you could consider additional precautions (e.g., avoiding crowded indoor spaces before travel, taking a test) in advance of gathering to further reduce risk.

– Do NOT put a mask on children younger than 2 years old.

By working together, we can enjoy safer holidays, travel, and protect our own health as well as the health of our family and friends.

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