The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued safety tips for this year’s trick-or-treating to reduce the spread of the COVID-19.
More, the CDC recommends that the safest activities have minimal contact, and are held outdoors that include social distancing. Safety is key.
If you are giving out treats:
- Avoid direct contact
- Give out treats outdoors (“grab and go”)
- Set up a treat station
- Wash hands and wear a mask while handling treats
They also recommend:
- Social distancing
- Wear a mask
- Wash hands
For parents, the CDC recommends:
- To carry hand sanitizer while tricker-treating
- Supervise the use of sanitizer with young children
- Before children eat their treats, they should wash hands at least 20 seconds with soap and water
Additionally, there are key preventative steps to take to reduce the spread of the virus. Namely, practicing social distancing, wearing a mask, hand washing and to avoid touching of the face. More, we emphasize masks and found here are our key health messages:
Masks Telegraph a Key Health Message
A mask is a health message. Wearing one telegraphs an important health message.
A mask reminds the person wearing it that the virus is serious. It also reminds others of the same message, too. Please set a positive example for others. Wear a mask.
Masks Protect the Person Wearing the Mask
Masks help protect us from the virus. This is key.
Masks Protect Others, too
Masks also protect others if we have the virus. It can be days before symptoms appear. Yet, you could still spread it. Also, some people carry the virus but never experience symptoms themselves.
Please wear a mask. And encourage others, too.
A Face Shield Alone is not enough
A face shield alone will not stop COVID-19. Here is why.
We first published this story on September 2. It is worth repeating:
A simple study shows the limits of a plastic face shield. And that they will not protect us from the virus. But they have some benefits. Instead, you need to wear a face mask. Masks are key to halting the virus.
A study done at the Florida Atlantic University shows that a face shield alone will not protect the person wearing the shield. Also, they will not protect others.
However, wearing a face mask with the face shield does work.
Face shields alone do not protect us. But they do provide advantages. Experts point out that a face shield will protect the eyes and discourage touching of the face.
Photograph by Toni Cuenca