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CDC: Traditional Halloween Festivities Not Recommended
hallo tips

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising people to consider alternative festivities for the ghoulish season as the traditional Halloween activities, such as going door-to-door for candy and treats is at a higher risk for spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.

Included in the ill-advised list was attending crowded costume parties held indoors and trunk-or-treat events where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in large parking lots.

But some residents are determined to keep the ghoulish spirit alive by planning to hand out candy, business as usual. Some Oakdale residents have devised clever “candy chutes” to deliver candy in a contact-less manner.

Two local businesses have trunk-or-treat events planned: Astoria Senior Living and Infinite Athletics.

And the Halloween House Decorating Contest sponsored by the Oakdale Enrichment Society has come out with a list of entries, suggesting a driving route to view the homes, starting on Shadow Creek and ending on Ranger Street.

The house entries are best viewed at night, said OES officials.

Decorated homes on their list include: two in the 400 block of Shadow Creek; 1600 block East J; 400 block Arboles Way; 400 block Peachcrest Drive; 400 block North Sixth; 600 block North Third; 800 block Boyd Drive; 300 block Maxwell. Also, 200 block South Second; 700 block East G; 60 block of Obsidian (two homes); 30 block Reed Road; 2500 block Naturewood; 2800 block Tioga; 500 block Criolla Court; 2500 block Morgan; 500 block Messara Court.

Also, 2200 block Mustang Drive; 600 block Three Chimneys Way, 1800 and 1700 block of Vintage Circle; 1700 block Parkside Way; 700 block Stetson; 1200 block Bluegrass Court; and 600 block Ranger.

Once you have enjoyed the decorated house tour, the CDC also recommends some fun alternatives to trick-or-treating. Carve or decorate pumpkins with members of your household and display them; you can also carve them outside with friends, keeping a safe distance.

Do a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance.

However, if going door-to-door is still the plan, the CDC offers the following steps to help mitigate the risk of spreading or catching the virus.

Wear a mask; you can make your cloth mask part of your costume.

A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask and do not wear a costume mask over a cloth mask. It can make breathing more difficult. Masks should not be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing.

Avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters. Give out treats outdoors, if possible. Set up a station with individually bagged treats for kids to take. Wash hands before handling treats.

Stay at least six feet away from others who do not live with you. Bring hand sanitizer with you and use it after touching objects or other people. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.

Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home and before you eat any treats.

Halloween is Saturday, Oct. 31 and it is also a full moon. Sunday, Nov. 1 is the end of Daylight Saving Time so remember to ‘fall back’ and turn the clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night.