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Student Life

Halloween 2020 Safety Tips

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Halloween will look much different this year.

There are many things to consider to ensure the safety of yourself and our UW community. Many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses, and COVID aside, Halloween is a good time to be vigilant about your personal safety.

Staying healthy

The CDC has compiled a list of low-to-high-risk Halloween activities to help you plan safely from a virus standpoint. Examples include:

Lower risk activities:

  • Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with friends.
  • Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with.
  • See the full list.

Medium risk activities:

  • Attending a costume party held outdoors where protective masks are used and people can remain more than 6 feet apart.
  • Having an outdoor Halloween movie night with friends with people spaced at least 6 feet apart.
  • See the full list.

Higher risk activities (avoid these):

  • Attending crowded costume parties held indoors.
  • Going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming.
  • See the full list.

Staying safe

The UW Police Department has shared the following tips on staying safe on Halloween:

  • If walking in a group, keep it small (2 – 4 persons) and keep at least 6 feet of distance between each other.
  • If you walk alone be alert of your surroundings at all times. Call Nightwalk at 685-WALK for a campus escort!
  • Whether walking alone or in a group, try to avoid dark or poorly-lit areas whenever possible.
  • Avoid parties and other large gatherings where the risk for the spread of COVID-19 is high.
  • If you wear a costume, make sure it includes a face covering that fits snugly over your nose and mouth.
  • Remember to wash your hands often or carry hand sanitizer with you.
  • Avoid playing pranks (particularly on strangers) that can be perceived as threatening.
  • Trust your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right, get yourself out of the situation as soon as possible.
  • Carry your cell phone with you at all times and don’t hesitate to call 911 to report suspicious or criminal activity.
  • Please be safe!