HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — It was a tough year for Halloween enthusiasts last year, but celebrating the tradition now has the support of Alabama’s leading experts, citing better vaccination rates and slowing the delta variant wave, as long as it lasts. is done outside.
“I would avoid big internal parties, even if we are in the moderate ranges,” said Dr. David Kimberlin of UAB Pediatric Medicine. “I don’t know if I’d be tempting fate that way. But going out and going door to door and doing trick-or-treating is a fun thing to do.”
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That’s not to say precautions shouldn’t be taken, according to pediatrician and Alabama Department of Health administrator Dr. Karen Landers.
“Especially if individuals become ill with signs and symptoms compatible with COVID, please don’t go outside,” Landers said. “Please don’t go to events as you could still have COVID. Please go test. Sure, if you get sick after going to an event, get tested again. Please be assessed by your doctor.”
A reality that both doctors and safety authorities share is that there are other dangers to be aware of as well.
“For example, I remind parents that you want to think about the safety of the costumes,” Landers said. “Is there a tripping hazard there? Are we in a situation where it could be darker than expected? Should we have flashlights available?”
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Irene Cardenas-Martinez, the public information contact of the Decatur Police Department, reiterates that warning.
“We really recommend that adults always supervise children who might be trick or treating,” Cardenas-Martinez said. “If you’re doing trick or treating at night, we recommend wearing something reflective on your costume or maybe have flashlights or glow sticks.”
Both Landers and Kimberlin recall that in the case of indoors or in crowded areas, masking will not only help prevent COVID-19 infection, but also flu, as flu season approaches.
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