October 28, 2020
Dear Families,
As Halloween approaches, we know many children and families across the city are looking forward to
celebrating. We are excited to share ways to safely have fun with your family, while still being mindful
of key COVID-19 prevention measures.
Here are top tips for a healthy Halloween:
- Stay outdoors: Try going to a scavenger hunt in a park (https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2020/10/31/halloween-at-osh) or walking around your neighborhood to see all the spooky decorations. Do not attend a haunted house or other indoor events.
- Keep your group small: The best idea is to keep to your own household. If you meet up with people outside your household, stay outdoors and keep the group small. You should not go to parties. It is not safe to host or attend large gatherings indoors or outdoors even if everyone feels well.
- Trick-or-treat safely: If you go trick-or-treating, be sure everyone is wearing a face covering, stay outdoors and 6 feet away after knocking on a door, and bring plenty of hand sanitizer.
These precautions are very important, because we now know that there is significant transmission of
COVID-19 by people who do not have symptoms, and that COVID-19 spreads more efficiently indoors.
No matter where you are, remember these key actions that help prevent COVID-19 transmission:
- Stay home if you are sick or were recently exposed to COVID-19.
- Keep physical distance from others.
- Wash your hands often.
- Wear a face covering.
Health and Mental Hygiene’s Halloween guidance (https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/covid/covid-19-halloween.pdf) at nyc.gov/health/halloween.
We wish you a spooky, safe celebration!
Sincerely,
Dave A. Chokshi, MD, MSc
Commissioner
New York City Department of
Health and Mental Hygiene
