(Ithaca, N.Y., October 24, 2022) – The Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) is teaming up with Tompkins County Youth Services to remind the community of important safety tips for a safe and fun fall season.
Gather safely: If participating in indoor holiday events, be mindful of gathering sizes. Wear a high-quality mask when indoors and do not use costume face covers at the same time, which could restrict air flow.
Test yourself for COVID-19 prior to attending events to increase your confidence that you will not be sharing the virus.
Stay home if you are feeling unwell.
Wash your hands well and often when participating in activities with shared surfaces and objects.
Check your candy: Keep an eye on candy consumption; parents and guardians should examine candy carefully to ensure packages have not been tampered with and throw away any candy with an open wrapper.
Beware of the dark! Nighttime comes early in the fall, and with it comes reduced visibility. Prevent injury and accident by wearing light colored clothing or reflective gear and carrying a flashlight. Look out for cars while crossing the street, especially during Trick or Treat activities.
Look out for bats and other critters! As temperatures begin to fall, bats may seek warmth in attics and other spaces in our homes. Learn how to safely catch a bat so that it can be observed for rabies and released to a rehabilitation center if healthy. Avoid contact with other rabies-vector animals such as racoons or skunks – do not attempt to pet, feed or keep wild animals. Make sure your pets are up to date on rabies vaccination.
The Tompkins County Health Department is your partner for a healthy community. Find us online at TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health, and follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/TompkinsPublicHealth and on Twitter at @TompkinsHealth. Sign up to receive COVID-19 updates or other county announcements via email or text.
Media contact: Shannon Alvord, salvord@tompkins-co.org
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