With Halloween festivities a go, the University of Vermont Health Network has issued an advisory to inform the public on safely trick-or-treating, handing out candy and attending public events.
The advisory, which was not posted anywhere but was sent to the network's media distribution list, emphasizes the importance of wearing masks and social distancing while indoors — especially children under 12 who cannot yet get vaccinated.
There are no enforced rules or regulations, but the health network's advisory noted that Covid cases rose around Halloween last year because of indoor events.
"We often send out advisories when we believe information may be helpful to keep the communities we serve safe and healthy," said Neal Goswami, a spokesperson for the UVM Medical Center.
Annual outdoor community events — such as parades in Rutland and Shelburne, trunk-or-treats in Brattleboro and Milton, and pumpkin displays in Bristol and Essex — will run normally.
Some celebrations, such as the weekend-long Halloween in Winooski event, will require participants to mask up, but in general, towns are not restricting the holiday.
VTDigger spoke to representatives from Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland, Manchester, Montpelier and Brattleboro, and none said their community was putting forth any specific requirements for trick-or-treating.
The health network suggests incorporating cloth masks into costumes, pointing out that Halloween masks alone are not suitable for limiting the spread of germs. However, they also advise not putting one of those masks over a cloth mask, as it could make breathing difficult. Cloth masks also should not be worn by children under 2 years old, the advisory says.
People handing out candy are advised to wear a mask and wash their hands thoroughly before passing out treats. The advisory suggests treats be handed out outdoors, with limited contact, and that the treats themselves be individually bagged for children to grab safely.
Not every precaution is Covid-related. An every-year suggestion: Be aware, stay visible when traveling in the dark and always bring a flashlight.
"We hope children and families will enjoy a safe Halloween by following these tips," Goswami said.
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