City offers upHalloween advice

San Antonio residents lost Fiesta this year. ButHalloween can proceed, with proper precautions, city officials said.

Metro Health has released guidelines for celebrating the Oct. 31 holiday, which falls on a Saturday this year.

The agency recommends wearing masks, practicing social distancing and avoiding haunted houses.

“If we continue working together to stop the spread of COVID-19, our community will be able to safely enjoy Halloween and other holidays later this year,” Mayor Ron Nirenberg said in a statement.

“Make the right decisions now to do what’s best for your health and the health of others. Our frontline workers, teachers, students and most vulnerable residents are counting on you.”

For trick-or-treating, Metro Health advises staying home if you’re sick. People going out should wear face coverings — and Halloween masks don’t offer enough protection. Avoid going inside houses.

Limit your group to those in your household and stay 6 feet away from other groups, the agency said. Use hand sanitizer frequently, only eat prepackaged treats and wash your hands with soap and water when you return home.

For those handing out candy, MetroHealth recommends leaving individually wrapped goodie bags or candy on a disinfected table at the end of your driveway or yard so that trick-ortreaters don’t have to come to your door. Disinfect the table every so often.

The agency advises not handing out candy if you or someone in your household is sick.

Metro Health also issued Halloween guidance for adults.

Again topping the list was not going out if you are feeling sick. Officials advised limiting gatherings with people outside your household and planning an outdoor rather than indoor gathering if you are having a party.

Avoid crowded indoor parties, especially haunted houses or hay rides where people may be screaming, Metro Health said. Stay away from the shared punch bowl and buffetstyle food. Wear a mask — not just the Halloween mask.

“By continuing these efforts and changing the way we celebrate holidays in the coming months, we will be able to see our families and continue to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Colleen Bridger, assistant city manager and interim metro health director.