September 21, 2020

Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
 
Best tips and practices encouraged to reduce spread of COVID-19  
  
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – County Executive Calvin Ball and the Howard County Health Department are reminding county residents about safety tips for celebrating the upcoming Halloween and fall season festivities to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The following infographic was published to the County Executive’s and Health Department’s Facebook and Twitter accounts and we encourage these posts to be shared by county residents. 
 
“As the air becomes crisper, the leaves start falling, and stores begin filling their shelves with candy, we want to remind residents that we are still combatting a deadly health crisis,” said Ball. “As Halloween approaches, I encourage residents to begin planning now so we can ensure all festivities are done safely. In coordination with the Howard County Health Department, we have put together important guidance to help keep our children and communities safe. This year is a time for creativity not just with costumes, but in how to celebrate safely.” 
 
The Howard County Health Department is recommending the following best practices for Halloween festivities and fall seasonal celebrations:

  • Avoid large gatherings, parties, and events.
  • Door-to-door trick or treating is not encouraged, but if done, should be done in household groups, keeping physical distance between other groups and using flashlights or glowsticks so walkers can be easily seen.
  • Treats are encouraged to be left outside.
  • Trick-or-treaters should wash hands (or use sanitizer) between homes and after touching surfaces and objects.
  • Facial covering should be worn even if wearing a costume mask.
  • Indoor activities are riskier than outdoor activities (indoor activities should be avoided).
  • Pumpkin patch and hayrides should be conducted in small groups and non-family members should be physically distanced
  • Indoor haunted houses, where it may be difficult to maintain physical distancing and enforce other mitigation strategies, should be restricted.

“In order to keep our families safe, it is critical that we are cautious about how we celebrate the fall holidays,” said Dr. Maura Rossman, Howard County Health Officer. “Maintaining physical distancing, wearing a facial covering, avoiding large gatherings, washing hands often and limiting indoor events will help us be healthy and safe" 
  
For more information about Howard County’s COVID-19 response efforts and data dashboard of current COVID-19 cases, please click here. For COVID-19 resources and assistance, please click here for our Virtual Assistance Portal.  

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