REDDING, Calif. — Parents are wondering if they should take their kids trick or treating amid the coronavirus pandemic. Shasta County Public Health offers some tips for Halloween events. They said door-to-door trick or treating is not recommended since it is difficult to ensure physical distancing and mask-wearing. But if you choose to trick or treat, follow these precautions.

• Use hand sanitizer after ringing doorbells
• Choose to go trick or treating when it is less crowded
• Wait until the group ahead of you leaves the walkway and doorway
• Wear a COVID mask under any Halloween mask.
• Wait until you get home to taste your treats, while the risk of getting COVID-19 is food packaging is low, you can wipe off packaging with soap and water or let it sit for 24-to-72 hours

If you are handing out treats at your home, they offer this advice.

• Make a line six feet from the door with tape or chalk, indicating where kids should wait
• Use tongs to give out candy
• Disinfect frequently-touched surfaces like doorbells, handrails, and gates

To read more recommendations from the CDC regarding Halloween celebrations click here.

Activities that are not allowed: No Halloween gatherings, events, parties, carnivals, festivals, live entertainment, or haunted houses.

Family entertainment businesses are allowed with modifications. Butte County will release its guidance on trick or treating on Friday.