AURORA, Ohio — The Aurora Police Department took to Facebook Friday to ask residents to be safe and responsible when celebrating Halloween this weekend as Ohio continues to see an alarming surge in COVID-19 cases across the state.
Aurora police said that cases are on the rise in the state, as well as in Portage County, and warned residents of the repercussions attending a large gathering can have if someone comes into contact with the virus.
“As we are well aware, COVID-19 numbers are on the rise around the state as well as in Portage County. As a community we’ve witnessed just how fast one person’s decision can affect a much larger population, causing illnesses and major disruptions for the community as a whole. Unfortunately the spread of this virus is not limited to those in attendance at any one gathering, but will spread far beyond to families and other vulnerable populations,” the department wrote on its Facebook page.
The department said it is continuing to receive information regarding plans for large gatherings in the area this weekend and in turn, is pleading with individuals to follow the guidelines issued by the state, including limiting the size of gatherings, socially distancing, and perhaps most importantly, wearing a mask.
“While we understand everyone is growing tired of all the restrictions, it would be tragic if an individual in attendance were to take something home to parents, siblings, or worse yet grandparents. Regardless of your beliefs, the consequences and the narrative remain the same,” the department wrote. “Let’s be responsible and follow the safety guidelines.”
The Ohio Department of Health issued guidance on celebrating Halloween and suggested the following activities in place of attending large gatherings:
- Holding a drive-through or drive-in trick-or-treat event, with children in costume and face coverings staying in cars and collecting treats from individuals spaced at least 6 feet apart
- Holding drive-by costume or car-decorating contests with judges who are physically distanced.
- Leaving treats for friends and neighbors
- Carving/decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them or carving/decorating pumpkins outdoors, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends
- Holding costume parties or pumpkin carving events or contests online, such as by video conference
- Hiding treats outside your home as an alternative to trick-or-treating
- Holding a Halloween scavenger hunt, giving children lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house
- Holding a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your own home
- Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with or having an outdoor Halloween movie night with local family friends and people spaced at least 6 feet apart. If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised
ODH asks Ohioans to avoid holding large, in-person Halloween parties, suggesting smaller parties be limited to 10 or fewer people in outdoor settings where social distancing is possible.
RELATED: Ohio Department of Health issues guidance on Halloween festivities amid COVID-19 pandemic
