Following a press release put out earlier this month, Sonoma County Public Health Officer Dr. Sundari Mase officially gave the green light for residents to celebrate Halloween and other upcoming holidays normally this year. That being said, it is still important to keep the safety of oneself and others in mind while participating in Halloween celebrations.

This time last year, Halloween and Día De los Muertos celebrations were prohibited in order to preserve the safety of county residents. Many were forced to hang up their costumes, buy their own candy, and wait for next year as the pandemic raged on. While events like drive through haunted houses and contactless trick-or-treating still happened last year, it just wasn’t the same.

This year, all signs point to a normal as county officials encourage residents to go out and celebrate. In the press release from earlier this month, Mase states: ”Families can confidently enjoy outdoor trick-or-treating on Halloween and outdoor Día De los Muertos celebrations this year.” 

While this is exciting news for many, it’s important to remember that “normal” should still include proper safety precautions. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still recommends that people wear masks indoors and avoid crowded indoor spaces.

Due to the vaccine not being approved for kids under the age of 12 yet, families should still be taking precautions when going out on Halloween. Not going out when sick, practicing proper hygiene like washing hands, and social distancing are still recommended.

According to NBC Bay Area News, it’s advised to go trick or treating with small groups and to stay outside. It’s also advised that masks be worn under costume masks, because costume masks are not meant to stop the spread of COVID-19. Also, kids should wash their hands before they eat any of the candy. In general, activities that involve sharing or contact of the nose and mouth like bobbing for apples should be avoided. 

Fourth year student Bryanna Alfaro will be celebrating Halloween and Dia de los Muertos this year. She plans to: “Get off of work early enough to go back home and see my nephew in his costume, and buy flowers for my mother’s altar at home, she keeps it year round.” 

Alfaro also said that she isn’t taking other precautions because everyone in her home is vaccinated and wears masks. She will also be taking her nephew trick or treating. She said, “We live in a big family area, most have little kiddos of their own so I’m not worried.“

Now that Halloween can be celebrated and kids can go trick or treating, the county recommends residents hand out candy in individual bags instead of using large bowls as one way to keep things COVID-19 friendly.

 The holiday season is approaching and gatherings are being permitted, so safety is as important as ever. Getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, and staying as socially distanced as possible will always be important, even on holidays.