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Will your kids be safe this Halloween? Channel 11 asks Pittsburgh doctors about trick-or-treating

By Pete DeLuca, WPXI-TV
By Pete DeLuca, WPXI-TV

PITTSBURGH — The spookiest part of this Halloween, will once again be costumes and decorations, with the pandemic playing a much smaller role in peoples’ preparations this year.

“I think that kids can really look forward to celebrating Halloween and trick-or-treating on Sunday if they take the appropriate precautions,” said Dr. Ned Ketyer, a pediatrician with Allegheny Health Network.

He says there’s little need for concern with outdoor trick-or-treating.

“But, there are a lot of kids that do a lot of their trick-or-treating indoors,” notes Ketyer. “Indoor gatherings with people who are not vaccinated, or you don’t know whether they’re vaccinated, that needs to be done with extreme caution.”

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    • Ketyer is urging people to avoid indoor gatherings – and wear a face covering, not just a costume mask – if they choose to attend.

    “Indoors is probably not a good idea,” said Ketyer. “Keep the activities outdoors, whether it’s a costume party, trick-or-treating, a hayride, anything outdoors, as long as there’s not over-crowding, should be relatively safe.”

    The City of Pittsburgh is encouraging all trick-or-treaters to follow CDC guidance when they head out Sunday night. Lisa Landis with the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania agrees.

    CLICK HERE FOR WHEN TRICK OR TREAT WILL TAKE PLACE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

    “If you want to avoid that direct contact with trick-or-treaters, you could always set out a bowl of candy or make some other way to participate in the festivities without having to be out there, at risk, face to face,” said Landis.

    She also reminds families of the importance of non-COVID safety practices, like checking your kids’ candy, staying with your group, and carrying a flashlight.

    “Make sure that other trick-or-treaters can see you, but that other cars can see you too,” said Landis. “You want to be reflective, as best you can, and have a good time. Just be safe.”

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