Wearing a costume and getting free candy may be a favorite among many this Halloween, but Guthrie County Public Health encourages residents to find new creative ways to celebrate the holiday without increasing the spread of COVID-19.

Guthrie County Public Health Director Jotham Arber says as several positive COVID-19 cases are added in the County daily, there are different ways to spend Halloween besides trick or treating. Examples include a small party with friends and family, a scavenger hunt around the house and other twists on party traditions like a Halloween pinata or karaoke. If you do still wish to trick or treat, Arber encourages residents to stay home if they are sick, and trick or treat with people you live with, “If you’re going to go out and do the trick or treating make sure that you’re wearing a face mask when you’re around people that you don’t know. Find ways to do the trick or treating that you’re not exposing other people. So maybe we go out and do only a handless exchange, you have a bucket there and instead of just handing it to people because we know we’re in close contact and we can spread it, maybe it’s on the porch there so that you can still give out the candy.”

Arber says social distancing can help those with underlying health conditions and those at a higher risk age from contracting serious symptoms from the virus. He also reminds homeowners to not hand out candy if they are sick, and to wear a face mask covering both your mouth and nose.