(Des Moines, IA) -- Celebrating Halloween could look very different amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued recommendations to prevent the spread of the virus. County health departments are also spreading the word, about how NOT to spread the virus during the upcoming holiday.
Nola Aigner-Davis of the Polk County Health Department says there are several things people can do to mitigate the spread of the virus. She recommends social distancing and face coverings, -but says a plastic mask as part of a Halloween costume would not be as effective as a cloth or surgical mask.
She also suggests those offering candy, could place it outside, at least six feet from the door, or put it on a table in your drive-way.
Aigner-Davis says there may be some other socially-distanced, outdoor activities might be an even safer alternative to going door-to-door to collect candy.
One Halloween alternative could be the Full Moon Halloween Hike, at Jester Park, October 29th. Polk County Conservation says hikers are welcome to come dressed in Halloween costumes. Pre-registration is required.