Halloween Safety Recommendations Released By Loudoun County Health Department

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Halloween is rapidly approaching, and many Loudoun County families are putting the finishing touches on their holiday plans. This week, the Loudoun County Health Department released some health and safety guidelines to keep residents safe as they celebrate the spookiest night of the year.

The health department's main guidance boils out down to effective social distancing and mitigation measures. Outdoor trick-or-treating is safe, but indoor parties should be avoided, the health department said.

"Any type of activity should be planned with the knowledge that all children under the age of 12 have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19," Loudoun County Health Director Dr. David Goodfriend said. "I would discourage indoor parties, particularly if not everyone is vaccinated. Any parties involving children under age 12 or include individuals who are not vaccinated should be small and outdoors."

Here are some other tips for Dr. Goodfriend and the Loudoun County Health Department to ensure a safe Halloween:

• Trick-or-treating outdoors in small groups or hosting a small outdoor gathering.
• Incorporating a face covering into a child’s costume (over the age of 2).
• If giving out candy, consider individual bags to hand out or a contactless option such as a candy chute.
• Washing your hands before going trick-or-treating or handing out candy. Hand sanitizer should be used while trick-or-treating or handing out candy when soap and water aren’t available.
• Maintaining physical distancing from people not in your household or who have not been vaccinated.

Though the COVID-19 vaccines are not yet approved for children under the age of 12, flu shots are currently available. "We encourage everyone to get a flu shot as soon as possible because it takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to be fully effective," Dr. Goodfriend said. "Unless told otherwise by your doctor, everyone 6 months and older should consider being vaccinated for the flu."

More information about the COVID-19 vaccines, including how to book an appointment at the county's vaccination site, is available online.