PROVO, Utah – As COVID-19 cases surge in Utah County, which has been leading the state to record daily case numbers, national officials are urging parents not to let their kids trick or treat.
Even so, at Taylor Maid Beauty and Theatrical in Provo, the sales of Halloween costumes and items have been steady.
“Right now we’re doing pretty good, we’re holding our own,” said store manager Roger Davis.
“We have a lot of people coming in asking about costumes for a neighborhood party. A family party” added Davis.
The Centers for Disease Control has released guidelines around parties and trick or treating on Halloween. Below are activities they say are high risk.
- Participating in traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed to children who go door to door
- Having trunk-or-treat where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in large parking lots
- Attending crowded costume parties held indoors
- Going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming
- Going on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household
- Using alcohol or drugs, which can cloud judgment and increase risky behaviors
- Traveling to a rural fall festival that is not in your community if you live in an area with community spread of COVID-19
Low-risk activities are as follows:
These lower risk activities can be safe alternatives:
- Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them
- Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends
- Decorating your house, apartment, or living space
- Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance
- Having a virtual Halloween costume contest
- Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with
- Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house
