Hendersonville issues advice for Halloween health and safety

Press release from the City of Hendersonville:

The City of Hendersonville encourages residents and visitors to take additional safety precautions this fall to protect your health, the health of your family, and the community at large.

 

Downtown Hendersonville’s Treat Street Carnival on Main Street has been canceled out of caution for the health and safety of participants. Families who choose to attend other events or go trick-or-treating should continue to practice the 3 W’s by wearing a cloth face covering, waiting six feet apart from others, and washing their hands or using hand sanitizer frequently.

 

Many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses. The CDC outlines several safer, alternative ways to participate in Halloween on their website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#halloween.

 

Please take these precautions and keep safety a priority this Halloween season: 

• If you may have COVID-19 or you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters.
• If you choose to complete traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, leave space between yourself and individuals from other households.
• A costume mask (such as for Halloween) is not a substitute for a cloth mask. A costume mask should not be used unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose and doesn’t leave gaps around the face.
• Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask because it can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.
• Avoid crowded, indoor Halloween parties, haunted houses, or other events where close contact may occur.
• If you plan to give out candy, consider using no-touch trick-or-treating options such as preparing individual goodie bags, using a candy chute, or organizing one-way treat pick-up at the end of the driveway or the edge of the yard.

Additional safety reminders:

• Children should be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.
• Treats should be inspected by an adult and hands should be washed or sanitized before eating.
• Costumes should be well-fitting, weather-appropriate, and easily visible to motorists. Carrying a flashlight and attaching reflective tape to costumes can make trick-or-treaters easier to see.
• Drivers should slow down and watch for trick-or-treaters and pedestrians.

Have a healthy and happy Hendersonville Halloween!