Boulder Halloween Public Health Guidance

BOULDER, CO — State and local public health officials have released guidelines for celebrating Halloween safely in Boulder.

Boulder County is under Safer at Home - Level 2 on the state's coronavirus dial, but the county could shift to the stricter Level 3 if high case rates continue, health officials said. All counties at Safer at Home levels are under the gathering limit of no more than 10 people from no more than two separate households.

Boulder guidelines from city and state health officials:

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment encourages alternatives to traditional, door-to-door trick-or-treating this year; however, if you decide to trick-or-treat, communicate with your neighbors and plan ahead, officials said. Get creative and figure out ways to hand out candy while keeping appropriate distance. For example:

• Line up individually wrapped treats at the end of the driveway or yard’s edge. Watch the fun and enjoy the costumes from a distance.
• Use a plastic slide, cardboard tubes, or plastic pipes to deliver candy from a distance.
• Take kids on an outdoor, distanced treasure hunt to look for candy or Halloween-themed items.

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Choose safer options

• Virtual activities are the safest option.
• Outdoor gatherings are generally safer than indoor gatherings.
• Smaller groups are generally safer than larger groups.
• Shorter gatherings are generally safer than longer gatherings.
• It’s safer to gather with people who consistently wear face coverings, keep physical distance and follow other prevention recommendations.

Keep in mind that it is possible for the virus to spread on surfaces and through airborne transmission, though less likely. Visit the CDC for more information on how COVID-19 spreads .

Whatever form your trick-or-treating takes, it’s safest to:

• Stay in your own neighborhood.
• Have adults accompany trick-or-treaters to help them follow precautions.
• Stay with your household members. Avoid mingling with groups from other households; stay at least 6 feet away from non-household members.
• If going door-to-door, limit the time you spend at doorways.
• Whether you’re trick-or-treating or handing out candy, keep your masks on -- save the candy eating for when you return home.
• Follow regular Halloween safety tips such as decorating costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and carrying glow sticks or flashlights to help increase visibility among drivers.

Protect yourself and others

• People should not participate in any in-person activities, including handing out candy, if they:
  • Are sick, especially with COVID-19 symptoms
  • Have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and are currently in the quarantine period.
  • Have recently tested positive for COVID-19 and are currently in the isolation period.
• People at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should think about the risks and benefits of activities they are considering.
• Wear a mask that fully covers your nose and mouth, wash your hands frequently, and keep your distance whenever you are out in public or around people who are not a part of your household.