Celebrate Halloween Responsibly

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 4, 2021
NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Derderian, Pasadena Public Information Officer, City Manager’s Office
(626) 744-4755, lderderian@cityofpasadena.net

(PASADENA, CA.) - The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in offering advice on celebrating Halloween in a lower-risk environment to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. As children under age 12 years are not yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19 is still widespread in our community, precautions are highly recommended at this time.

Recommendations include:
• Wear a face mask that fits well and covers the nose, mouth, and chin. Masks must be worn indoors in accordance with the health officer order, and should be worn outdoors in crowded situations when it’s not possible to maintain 6 feet of physical distancing.
A costume mask is not a substitute for a protective mask.
• If you are sick, or you have been in contact with someone who is sick with COVID-19 or has symptoms of COVID-19, stay home and away from others.
• Activities should take place outdoors.
• Avoid confined spaces; stay away from indoor spaces that do not allow for easy distancing of at least 6 feet between you and others.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from anyone who doesn’t live with you, especially while talking, eating, drinking, and singing.
• Wash or sanitize your hands often.
The City reminds residents of Halloween fire safety tips, including using battery-operated candles or glow sticks in jack-o-lanterns and keeping exits and escape routes clear of decorations. It is also a good time to make sure that all smoke alarms in your home are working.

During the holiday season, it is especially important to avoid driving under the influence. Remember that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI. The City also urges drivers to plan routes in advance and avoid texting or otherwise using a cell phone while driving.

Stay connected to the City of Pasadena! Visit us online at www.cityofpasadena.net; follow us on Twitter at @PasadenaGov, and Instagram and Facebook at @CityOfPasadena; or call the Citizen Service Center, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday at (626) 744-7311.