Mask up for Halloween this year

Wearing a mask this Halloween means more than just donning a festive disguise.

Jennifer McCully, Lincoln County public health manager, asked that trick-or-treaters remember safety measures meant to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus during this year’s festivities. Social distancing and mask wearing remain important even when out canvassing for candy.

According to Halloween guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, costume masks are not considered substitutes for cloth masks. Since layering festive and protective face coverings can make breathing more difficult, the CDC recommends that trick-or-treaters make cloth masks part of their costumes.

Children under the age of two or anyone with trouble breathing should not wear masks, according to the CDC.

To make festivities safer, the CDC advises those passing out candy to avoid contact with trick-or-treaters. Contact can be limited by giving treats outdoors and setting up a station with individually bagged treats. Treat-givers should also wash their hands before handling treats.

Lincoln County parents have expressed mixed feelings about spending their children out to trick-or-treat this year.

“I think we’ll just go with what everyone else is comfortable with,” said Angela Covey, a mother from Libby.

“We’ll wear masks,” added her husband Jared Covey.

Amy Stortz said she would let her children go trick-or-treating as long as they took precautions.

Bev Cummings, a Libby grandmother of 11, said she would probably not send out her grandchildren this year if it were up to her. She admitted though that she wasn’t a fan of Halloween in general.

In response to the pandemic, organizers have canceled or modified some Lincoln County festivities. Members of the Rotary Club of the Kootenai Valley decided to call off their annual trunk or treat this year.

“The event will be sorely missed, but in the interest of public safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, we feel that canceling it was necessary,” the club announced in an Oct. 20 Facebook post.

The store-to-store trick or treat organized by the Libby Business Area Association is set to go ahead with a few changes, according to Gail Burger, association member. Burger said the group collaborated with the health department to ensure safety at the event.

While trick-or-treaters will still be able to visit businesses along Mineral Avenue, Burger said some store owners plan to set up tables on the sidewalk rather than having children come inside their shops. Businesses may also have premade goodie bags ready for trick-or-treaters.

Event-goers are asked to social distance when possible, use hand sanitizer and wear masks. Burger said people who normally attend the rotary club trunk or treat have contacted her asking to participate in the business area’s event.

“We’ve had a lot more interest in it this year,” Burger said.

The pumpkin patch and the haunted trail at the Swanson Lodge Country Retreat in Troy have remained open. The group received approval from the health department, but visitors are required to wear masks at the events, according to Facebook posts. The lodge offers face painting, hayrides, food and games. Since all activities won’t be available every day, staff members ask visitors to message or call ahead.