Tips for a Safe Halloween & Día de Los Muertos Celebrations

In order to celebrate a safer Halloween and Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead, Nov. 1-2), in the midst of a global pandemic, “Está en tus Manos” (It’s in Your Hands) initiative is issuing a reminder to families to do their part to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

For those who wish to participate in the long-standing and honored traditions, check out a list of best practices based on recommendations from the Southern Nevada Health District.

• Wear a face covering when you are in public or around people who do not live in the same household as you do.
  • Choose a mask made of two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric, or use a disposable one. Make sure it completely covers your nose and mouth and fits snugly against the sides of your face without any gaps. Do not place a mask on a child younger than 2 years old, or people who cannot remove their mask without assistance.
• Wash your hands frequently with warm running water and soap.
  • If running water isn’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Wash your hands before and after you put on your mask.
• Stay home when you are sick. Stay home from work, school, and public places.
• If you think you have been in contact with a person who has COVID-19, get tested. Stay home for 14 days after the last day of your possible exposure.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and mask.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched items such as your cell phone, doorknobs and counter tops.
• Get a flu shot to protect you from seasonal flu and to help reduce impacts on our local health care system.
• Avoid crowds larger than 10 and try to stick to seeing your immediate family. Maintain at least 6 feet social distancing per person from non-household members.
• Alternatives to traditional trick or treating and public Día de los Muertos events are recommended. If you plan to participate in outdoor events on Halloween or at any point during the multi-day Día de los Muertos occasion, be inside by 9 p.m.

“As you celebrate Halloween, Día de los Muertos, other upcoming holidays, it’s important to remember that we are still in the middle of a pandemic  and we need to keep practicing all the health measures that will keep our community as safe and open as possible,” said Clark County Commissioner Chairman Marilyn Kirkpatrick. “It’s best to limit your gatherings to immediate family members, wash hands frequently, and wear face coverings when you are out in public. These actions will limit the spread of COVID-19 and help us reduce the impact of flu season on our hospitals and in our community.”

The Está En Tus Manos campaign has also released a series of visuals in Spanish and encourage community organizations and individuals to share with their networks to keep COVID-19 prevention top of mind. Visuals can be found by CLICKING HERE.

Information about COVID-19 and testing locations is available on the SNHD website at snhd.info/covid, as well as estaentusmanosnevada.com. You can also read about safer alternatives to celebrate Halloween from the SNHD by CLICKING HERE.

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