CLEVELAND — Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, but the coronavirus pandemic is more of a trick than a treat.
As cities decide if trick-or-treating will be allowed, many are looking for ways to still safely have fun and celebrate fall festivities.
The Cleveland Clinic recently put out some helpful tips.
When it comes to trick-or-treating, they said parents need to help kids keep a social distance, keep their hands clean and away from their face, and incorporate a face covering into their costume.
Something not to worry about is disinfecting all the candy. The doctor said transmission of the coronavirus on surfaces is very low. However, if it makes you feel better, than do so.
What about passing out candy?
The doctor suggested leaving out hand sanitizer and candy on a table at the end of the driveway or have one person with clean hands pass out candy, but they said you should avoid having kids pick directly from a bowl because of germ spread.
Also, what about fall fun like corn mazes, pumpkin patches and apple picking?
The doctor said use caution and be smart. Wear a face mask, social distance, don't touch your face, wash your hands regularly and stay home if you're sick.
The guidance is much-need as Americans appear ready to scare up some fun.
Recent polling from the National Confectioners Association found 80% of people are looking for fun and safe ways to celebrate Halloween this year.
Lauren O’Toole Boland, director of communications for the National Confectioners Association, said they're more committed than ever to help families celebrate safely with lots of ideas on their website. Click here to learn more.
"Setting up a Zoom costume party and enjoying a sweet treat or two, or even setting up trick-or-treat within your own home, apartment or backyard," Boland said. "Trick-or-treat is just one way to celebrate the Halloween season and there are plenty of other options."
She said Halloween is the candy industry's Super Bowl; accounting for $4.6-billion in seasonal sales every year.
Last week, the Ohio Department of Health issued similar guidance on fall activities, including trick-or-treating.
RELATED: Ohio Department of Health issues guidance on Halloween festivities amid COVID-19 pandemic
