Hailey’s Halloween Guidance 2020
By Mike McKenna
Due to the public health challenges of the coronavirus, downtown Hailey will not be hosting the annual Halloween Hoopla this year. Unfortunately, there is no safe way to put on the popular event that hosts roughly 2,000 children and families each fall.
Some Hailey businesses, however, will still offer candy to their customers and many businesses will be decorated. Jane’s Artifacts is also putting on a Home Decorating Contest. Stop by the store on Main Street to sign up.
There are safe ways to enjoy Halloween. Here are some tips and guidelines from St Luke’s and the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] to help you make the most out of the ghoulish holiday.
–Remember the 3 Ws: Wash your hands. Wear your mask. Watch your distance.
-–If sick or exposed to the virus, stay home, isolate and do not give out candy to trick-or-treaters.
–Stick to small groups, preferably just family.
–Any gathering should follow CDC guidelines and be appropriate for the level of spread in the community.
–Do not use a costume mask as a substitute for a protective cloth mask unless it’s made of two
or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose and doesn’t leave gaps
around the face.
–Do not wear a costume mask over a cloth mask. This can be dangerous, making it hard to
breathe. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.
Ideas for low-risk Halloween fun: Outdoor pumpkin carving. Throw a virtual Halloween contest. Find friends or family who can offer drive-by trick-or-treating. Have your kids enjoy a piñata filled with candy instead of trick-or-treating. Decorate your home and yard.
Ways to make trick-or-treating safer: Establish safe ground rules and a safety plan ahead of time. Don’t let kids reach into bowls or bags and touch multiple pieces of candy. Don’t share or trade candy, toys or bags—every child should carry his/her own bag. Carry hand sanitizer and have kids clean hands periodically between houses. Leave a bowl of candy at the end of your porch, steps or sidewalk. At the end of the evening, sanitize any doorknobs, doorbells or high-touch areas. Let all the candy sit for three days before handling and eating.
The following activities are considered high risk: traditional trick-or-treating without any safety precautions. Crowded indoor or outdoor parties or haunted houses. Traveling to events outside of your own community.
While it may not be as easy or as normal as usual, there are still ways to safely enjoy Halloween this year. Thanks for doing your part to keep our community safe.
For more information, please contact The Chamber at Info@ValleyChamber.org, visit ValleyChamber.org or haileyidaho.com, or call (208) 788-3484.