Should kids go trick-or-treating this Halloween?

But if you are going out, Orange Park Medical Center and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have some tips. Experts do not think that surface spread is the main mode of COVID-19 transmission, Orange Park Medical Center said. The easiest way to determine the COVID-19 risk level in your community go to www.Halloween2020.org where the Harvard Global Health Institute has an interactive map that details COVID risk level by county. “My advice would be to skip the Halloween parties this year and stick to outdoor trick-or-treating as your main family event, with proper social distancing,” Dr. Chapman said. I would also encourage kids to use hand sanitizer throughout the route and wash hands often and especially before eating,” Dr. Chapman said.

Kristin Englund, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Cleveland Clinic said it’s important to remember that only certain masks are proven effective in reducing coronavirus spread. “We know that cloth masks that have two layers of cloth are the best way to protect yourself when you’re out trick-or-treating,” she said. Try to find some cloth that matches your costume and make your own masks.”Surgical and cloth masks are often worn to help prevent COVID-19. When it comes to cloth masks though, Dr. Englund said one layer of cloth is okay, but two layers will provide better protection. And if you’re thinking about layering masks on Halloween, don’t bother doubling up.