Chelan-Douglas Health District Cautions Against Trick or Treating

October 31st is nearing and the Chelan Douglas Health District advises that the coronavirus should still be a factor weighed in when making Halloween plans. Trick or treating is considered a perfect way to spread the virus, according to Dr. Malcolm Butler, chief medical officer.

"If you were like a virus and you wanted to design a perfect holiday to spread yourself around a community, what you would do is encourage young people, who tend not to show symptoms, to walk household to household, taking and transmitting virus onto candy, into their mouths and other places," said Dr. Butler.

Dr. Butler offers alternative opportunities to still keep Halloween fun. He suggests the entire household carving pumpkins or learning how to make caramel apples.

"Just like graduation 2020 was unique, Halloween 2020 needs to be unique also," said Dr. Butler. "This needs to be the year we remember spending Halloween at home with our families."

Dr. Butler adds if a child cannot go without seeking candy this year, treat Halloween like an Easter egg hunt and hide candies around the backyard or the living room.

He notes that the local public events he's reviewed, such as the drive thru trick or treating at the Town Toyota Center, also look safe.