BRAZOS VALLEY, TX — Halloween is just 5 days away and many are eager to finally kick off their holiday season but this Halloween will look a bit different due to the pandemic
This year, some of your favorite characters will now pair their costume with face masks and will adhere to social distancing guidelines.
“You want to make sure that if your costume does come with a cloth mask that it is a thicker fabric and that it has at least two layers in it,” said Mary Parrish, administrative assistant with the Brazos County Health Department.
Halloween masks are always lots of fun, although they do not suffice in replacing a CDC approved face covering.
Make sure that you are not over layering masks and restricting your breathing for all the fun.
Limiting contact to distribute candy has been expressed by health officials as the best way to minimize the chances of spreading the virus.
”We’ve really seen a lot of creative ways that people have come up with socially distanced trick or treating some people are putting candy on sticks and then putting it in their yard,” said Parrish.
Many families have utilized their creativity to ensure kids not only get their Halloween experience but a unique one at that.
Parrish not only urges residents to keep CDC guidelines in mind but also regularly enforced Halloween recommendations.
”Along with social distancing and wearing your mask if you are going to go trick or treating it’s important that you follow all of those safety rules that we say every year. Make sure you wear bright color clothing, stay on the side walk and only cross at cross walks,” said Parrish.
This year, be sure to take added measures of precaution when it comes to trick or treating like checking candy and looking both ways when crossing.
One free family-friendly event maybe just be the perfect choice for this year's change of pace.
”Halloween-town in downtown is a new event this year and we are partnering with candy95 the radio station in town, we’re very excited. They usually host a huge Halloween trick or treating event at the George Bush library every year,“ said Abigail Noel, PR and Communications manager for Destination Bryan.
The candy filled downtown event is a great spot for families to practice CDC approved guidelines for Halloween while also enjoying the holiday in the heart of the Brazos Valley.
”All of our events have to be approved by the health department and Mayor's office of Bryan and they have both signed off on the Halloween event, so they’ve taken a look at our plan of action and deemed it COVID safe.”
Located north of Main St. on the streets of downtown Bryan—be sure to dress your costume best and enjoy an evening of a Halloween COVID-safe space.
The CDC suggests the best ways to mitigate a COVID risk is to attend outdoor gatherings with a small number of people and attempt to limit the amount of travel.