CLEVELAND — Halloween is one of the most exciting times of year for kids (and even some adults), and it's sure to look different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Amy Edwards, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, is reminding families that even if things are different from previous Halloweens, it's possible to have fun safely.
"People just need to take a few minutes and think about how they can do this while minimizing the risk" Dr. Edwards told 3News.
For many Americans, the holiday comes as COVID-19 cases in their state are on the rise. In Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine has issued repeated warnings about taking extra precautions on Halloween.
Dr. Edwards says that the festivities do not need to be fully canceled, but that making new adjustments is the way to go if you are looking to avoid the Coronavirus.
"What's the highest risk moment with trick-or-treating? It's when three, or four, or five kids get to the same house at the same time and they all congregate on the front porch and they knock, 'trick-or-treat,' and the adult comes out and leans over and puts candy in each bag," Dr. Edwards detailed, "if there's already somebody knocking on that door, maybe you skip that house and come back to it later."
If you aren't going trick-or-treating and are just planning to hand out candy, the UH doctor has some ideas for that, as well.
"We're going to put our candy out on the driveway in a big bowl so that kids are congregating on our front porch steps...some people are talking about putting candy in little baggies," Dr. Edwards told 3News, "there's all sorts of things you can do... whatever works best for your house, for your family, for your neighborhood. You know, get creative with it."
Finally, if you are worried about COVID-19 staying on candy, Dr. Edwards says there are some fairly simple tips she would give, including whether or not she believes it's necessary to clean the candy.
"Please do not spray Lysol on the candy, that's dangerous...Wash your hands, very simple" Dr. Edwards said, "If you're worried about it, just leave the candy in a bag for a day or two and the virus will die off."