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The virus that causes COVID-19 continues to circulate throughout  Monterey County causing severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths among our residents. Individuals can spread COVID-19 even without symptoms. The primary means of spread involves aerosols and droplets created by coughing, sneezing and talking.

The Monterey County Health Department would like to remind residents that many Halloween and Día de los Muertos activities carry risk for spreading COVID-19. Layering Combining safety measures can help reduce the risk of getting sick or spreading COVID-19 to others. As you plan Halloween and Día de los Muertos activities this year, the Monterey County Health Department recommends that everyone take the following steps to protect against COVID-19:

1. Get vaccinated. Vaccines are our best protection against infection. All three vaccines currently available effectively reduce risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death due to COVID-19.
2. Stay home if you are sick or have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Do not attend celebrations or participate in activities if you feel sick, or if you have are not not been vaccinated and have come in contact with someone who has COVID-19, or if you have been told that you have COVID-19.
3. Wear a face covering. People, even if vaccinated, can carry COVID-19 and pass it on to others without showing symptoms. Wearing a face covering when indoors helps to reduce transmission and protect people who are vulnerable to severe disease. A costume mask is not a substitute for a well-fitted face mask that covers the nose and mouth.
4. Celebrate outdoors and keep gatherings small. Circulating fresh air and having setting chairs set at least 6 feet apart helps reduce transmission.
5. Take safety precautions when trick or treating. Avoid wearing a costume mask over a face mask because it can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Keep your distance from others. Take hand sanitizer with you and use it frequently.
6. Monitor for signs and symptoms after holiday celebrations and activities. Watch for COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days, particularly during days 3 to 7 when people are most likely to develop symptoms.

To find a testing or vaccination location near you, please visit our testing webpage or call 2-1-1. Together, we can protect ourselves and those around us by implementing safety measures while celebrating.