CDC: Have a Spooky—and Safe—Halloween

It’s time to pick out your costume and get ready to celebrate Halloween but the Centers for Disease Control says you still need to take precautions against COVID.

Even though the number of cases has dropped significantly due to the availability of the COVID vaccine, people are still contracting the virus.

Over the past two-plus years, we’ve learned new ways to enjoy pandemic holidays, and “outside is always safer” has been the mantra for these holiday gatherings.

Luckily, that’s easy to do on Halloween, because trick-or-treating generally involves plenty of outdoor time but that doesn’t mean it’s totally risk-free.

That’s why the CDC is offering a few recommendations to have a COVID-safe Halloween:

First, get tested before going out to celebrate, even if you’ve been vaccinated. The at-home COVID test kits make it easy to ensure you’re not positive for the virus.

If you’re sick stay home and skip the Halloween party if you aren’t feeling well.

If you plan to attend a Halloween party or will be among a crowd indoors, take precautions like wearing a high-quality mask (and Halloween masks don’t count). and consider making the mask part of the costume—like a doctor, nurse, ninja, or cowboy.

If you’re hosting celebrations, review options for improving ventilation in your home. This can help you reduce virus particles in your home and keep COVID-19 from spreading.

Keep your hands clean. If you’re out trick-or-treating, bring hand sanitizer.

If you’re giving out candy, wash your hands frequently.

And of course, the best way to protect yourself and others from severe illness from COVID-19 on Halloween (and every day) is to stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations.