Despite local and state health recommendations advising against many of the traditional Halloween activities, a local organization plans to offer its annual Trunk or Treat event.
Organizers hope the event offers a safer alternative for local children and families who want to trick or treat in spite of the coronavirus pandemic.
Participants are asked to take precautions and some changes have been made to better protect against the spread of infection, Jill Hartman, director of the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce, said. The Chamber is sponsoring the event.
Cars will be backed into parking spaces, and children will walk on sidewalks next to the courthouse square. That will allow cars to be spaced out around the square, and should help keep trick or treaters safe while maintaining social distance, Hartman said.
Candy will be handed to children to reduce the amount of contact. Those who are handing out candy must wear gloves.
The decision to continue the event was made with the coronavirus pandemic and safety in mind, Hartman said.
Because of fears of spreading the disease and because of recommendations against many Halloween events, Hartman said the Trunk or Treat could make it easier for families who want to trick or treat but hesitate to go door-to-door.
“We hope with the precautions we have in place, it will make people more comfortable,” she said.
To register a vehicle for the event, contact the Chamber at 620-365-5252.
The Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments and Kansas Department of Health and Environment last week issued a list of recommendations for celebrating Halloween.
The guidelines recommend against gatherings, parties, haunted houses and festivals, which includes trunk or treat events. They also recommend against door-to-door trick or treating.
“It is very difficult to maintain proper social distancing on porches and at front doors, ensure everyone (trick or treaters and residents of homes being visited) are properly wearing face coverings, and because food sharing is risky,” the KDHE guidelines read.
KDHE acknowledged the likelihood that some events like trunk or treating and in-person trick or treating would occur in spite of the recommendations, and provided guidance if those activities take place.
• Wear a cloth mask, even if a costume includes a different type of mask. Perhaps the mask could be incorporated into the costume. Face coverings should not be worn by children younger than 2 years old, anyone who has trouble breathing, and anyone who is otherwise unable to remove their cloth face covering without assistance.
• Carry hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and use at regular intervals.
• Consider carrying sanitizing wipes to disinfect candy or other items accepted from homes. Or, sanitize items individually when you get home before consumption.
