No costume should be without a mask this Halloween, just not the kind normally worn by trick or treaters.

That’s according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommends following these coronavirus-related precautions whether you’re dressing up for Halloween or handing out candy to princesses and goblins:

  • Make your cloth mask part of your costume.
  • A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask.
  • Do NOT wear a costume mask over a cloth mask. It can make breathing more difficult.
  • Masks should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing.
  • Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you.
  • Bring hand sanitizer with you and use it after touching objects or other people.
  • Wear a mask while giving out candy.
  • Give out treats outdoors, if possible.
  • Set up a station with individually bagged treats for kids to take.
  • Wash hands before handling treats.

The CDC also offers some alternatives to treat or treating here (scroll to bottom of page).