Kansas State University

How to safely celebrate Halloween in 2020

Submitted by Division of Communications and Marketing

Halloween will look different this year, but there are still plenty of ways to celebrate and stay safe.

Kansas State University is encouraging students to integrate some simple safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention into their social lives.

Follow these tips to reduce the spread of COVID-19 this Halloween.

• Wear a face covering. Costume masks or accessories are not considered substitutes for a cloth face covering. You should not wear a costume mask over a cloth face covering as it can make breathing difficult.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover your cough with your elbow or a tissue.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Maintain 6 feet of physical distance indoors and outdoors with others who do not live with you.

It is important to remember that someone who is sick with COVID-19 can spread it for two days, or 48 hours, before they show any symptoms. Also, not everyone with COVID-19 will have symptoms, but they may still spread it to others. Anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, has shown symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should stay home and avoid in-person Halloween activities.

Here are some activities that can be done safely this Halloween:

• Carve pumpkins with friends while outside and physically distanced. Try out these K-State-themed stencils for pumpkin carving. 
• Decorate the place you live.
• Coordinate a virtual Halloween party with a costume competition.
• Have an at-home Halloween movie marathon or plan a physically distanced outdoor movie viewing with friends.
• Go on a neighborhood tour of Halloween-decorated homes.
• Bake Halloween or fall-inspired treats.

Use these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce your risk during off-campus activities. On-campus activities should follow university guidance.

If you decide to host a gathering:

• Remind guests to stay home if they are sick or have been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
• Keep a list of guests who attend for potential future contact tracing needs.
• Encourage physical distancing and wearing face coverings.
• Host your gatherings outdoors when possible. If this is not feasible, make sure the room or space is well ventilated. (For example, open a window.)

If you attend an event or gathering:

• Stay home if you are sick, if you are waiting on results of a COVID-19 test or if you may have been exposed to COVID-19.
• Prioritize attending outdoor activities over indoor ones and stay within your local area as much as possible.
• Bring a face covering and hand sanitizer.

Read more tips to reduce your COVID-19 risk while having a social life. 

Find more CDC tips to reduce risk and stop the spread of COVID-19 and learn more about health and wellness at K-State.