Halloween is not 'canceled'

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Halloween is not “canceled” in Seward County this year.

Despite the recent uptick in confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the Four Corners Health District, including Seward County, the annual holiday and its accompanying celebrations can continue. Local health officials simply ask those who trick-or-treat to be conscious of the precautionary steps that health officials have reminded the public of since March.

Laura McDougall, executive director of Four Corners Health Department, said during the Oct. 1 Seward County press briefing that health officials encourage organization and social distancing while trick-or-treating to avoid large crowds going door to door. McDougall suggested keeping small groups of trick-or-treaters spaced out. Local health officials have also suggested trick-or-treaters carrying hand sanitizer to use throughout their evening.

For homes participating in trick-or-treating, McDougall suggested having an individual handing out individually-wrapped treats as opposed to letting trick-or-treaters reach into a bowl of candies to pick their hauls.

On Oct. 9 the Four Corners risk dial increased to 2.44, putting it further in the elevated (orange) risk section. The dial has risen steadily for the past month, up from 2.22 the week ending Oct. 2, 1.88 the week before and 1.81 the week prior to that.

Those still hoping to arrange haunted houses or Halloween-related events can contact Four Corners Health Department at (402) 362-2621 to ensure their plans meet recommended safety measures.