SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – Halloween festivities are set to commence Monday afternoon and evening, and as families and children get ready to celebrate, COVID-19 is still a concern for some.
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Some people will be going to parties or trick-or-treating inside, like in shopping malls.
Fortunately, shopping malls are actually relatively safe, with high ceilings and good ventilation, according to Dr. Dean Blumberg, an infectious disease specialist with UC Davis Health on KCBS Radio's "Ask an Expert" with Melissa Culross on Monday.
"Smaller rooms, like in homes I’m more worried about," he said. Especially if they're in the space for an extended period of time and are having contact with people.
"But parents can help keep their kids safe by having the brief interaction," said Blumberg. "Outdoors is generally safe."
Those who are still concerned, depending on their risk tolerance, might want to consider having their child wear a face mask in addition to whatever their costume might be.
Even a standard, disposable surgical mask can decrease the risk. But the type of mask that typically comes with a costume, often plastic or rubber, don't offer the same sort of protection.
"The highest risk is the groups of children who trick-or-treat together," he said. Instead of just having brief encounters passing by each other, these groups are clustered close together for a long period of time, increasing the risk of exposure.
For those worried about other viruses, like the flu, frequent hand washing is always helpful, especially after someone’s child stuck their hands in a communal bowl of candy.
"Parents can carry around some alcohol gel, that works very well as long as hands aren’t visibly soiled," said Blumberg.
For smaller children not yet of trick-or-treating age but might still be participating in a party or other activity, the best way to stay safe is make sure they’re healthy before going out.
"Trust that your close friends and other members who are attending these parties – they are also responsible and they will not be attending if they are symptomatic," he said.
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