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LISBON -- With colder temperatures usually come a slew of fall activities, but the coronavirus has people rethinking the safety of those events.
Lori Barnes, Environmental Director of the County Health Department said she has been working with those planning fall events to help them keep things as coronavirus safe as possible.
Outdoor events like hayrides can happen this fall, Barnes said but she cautions those hosting them should keep those riding to groups of 10 or fewer and make sure there is room for people not of the same family to sit apart from each other. The wagon should be both loaded and unloaded to prevent people from walking right past each other. Those older than 10 years old should wear a mask and handrails should be wiped down.
Other outdoor events such as corn mazes or haunted trails are possible with some similar guidelines. Keep those going through at the same time to smaller numbers.
Barnes said it is harder to create a safe plan for indoor gatherings and large groups, even though she knows the weather can make it hard to plan on outdoor events. She suggests if the weather permits costumes can be judged outside, by drive-by judges or virtual judging.
She also suggests the schools should know if there are a lot of children in their school out sick or families quarantining with coronavirus concerns, so communities should base their final decisions on Trick or Treat on the latest numbers and information the school can share with them.
Those participating in Trick or Treat should wear a mask and clean their hands. Parents should wipe candy wrappers down with sanitizing wipes before children eat them. Those with compromised health, who do not feel comfortable giving out candy, can choose not to turn on the porch light during the event. Those giving out candy should consider wearing masks and gloves or creating a way to make the event fun for the children while staying at a distance.
"It can be done," Barnes said, noting she has heard of people talking about creating a candy chute as a fun way for the children to get their treats. "People are really trying hard to comply."