Like most things in 2020, fall will look and feel different this year compared to last. But with a little planning and caution, you can still enjoy some of falls signature activities during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

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Instead of focusing on all the changes, its really about shifting our expectations and reimagining how to do some of the same activities, explains family medicine specialist Neha Vyas, MD.

There are still plenty of things we can safely do, we just need to take precautions to protect ourselves and those around us, which from time to time, might mean passing on an event or activity if those precautions cant be followed, she says.

Maintaining at least six feet from other people is key, and for times when that isnt possible, wearing a face mask is crucial. And if you havent already caught on, hand sanitizer and hand washing will continue to be the coolest trends of the season.

Dr. Vyas shares some insight, advice and modifications for a safe fall.

Parents and kids alike are wondering about Halloween this year. But how do you handle trick-or-treating, costumes and passing out candy in the middle of a global pandemic?

Your city will determine if trick-or-treating is happening or not, says Dr. Vyas. If it is, then its really about deciding as a family what youre comfortable with and how youll protect yourself and those around you. If your city has determined that trick-or-treating will be canceled, everyone will need to respect that rule as well.

Parents who allow their kids to trick-or-treat will need to consider quite a few things: How will your child maintain social distance from others? How many houses will they be allowed to visit? How will you help your child keep their hands clean and not touch their face?

And then of course, theres the concept of incorporating a face mask (and no, were not talking a Spiderman mask) into your childs costume.

Children who are trick-or-treating (and parents who are out with them) will still need to wear a proper face mask, aka it covers the mouth and nose, has multiple layers and ties around the ears or back of the head.

Get creative and encourage your child to think about how their face mask can be part of their costume, says Dr. Vyas. Opt for a mask that matches the costumes style, or have them pick a costume where a face mask is an essential part like a doctor or a ninja. And as long as your child can still see and breathe fine and theres plenty of ventilation, you can layer a Halloween mask over a cloth face mask.

When you get back home, you might be wondering if you should sanitize your childs candy haul, but according to Dr. Vyas, its not really necessary.

The transmission of coronavirus on surfaces is very low, she says. But if you feel safer doing it, than by all means do.

If youve opted not to go out trick-or-treating, but still want to pass out candy, consider leaving candy and hand sanitizer out on a table at the end of your driveway. You can even sit farther back from the table so you can enjoy the evening from a distance. Or, you can designate one person with clean hands to pass out candy. Unfortunately this year, experts say to avoid having kids pick directly from the bowl because it could spread more germs. Its also advised to skip on passing out homemade goods.

If youve decided that youre not comfortable with Halloween outside of your direct household (which is perfectly OK!), get creative and have some fun with how youll celebrate:

Just because were spending more time at home these days doesnt mean we have to skip every fall activity we once loved. With a little organization, preparation and creativity its possible to still enjoy some of your favorite fall events.

The trick (to this treat) is reimaging and setting the correct expectation. Youll also want to keep the golden rules of COVID-19 in mind: Wear a face mask, social distance, dont touch your face, wash your hands regularly and stay home if you arent feeling well.

Heres what else to keep in mind for several popular fall festivities:

We know this year has been a bummer for many things and events. But just as we learned in the spring and summer, if were safe, we can still enjoy some activities theyll just look and feel a little different.

Theres still time to enjoy the great outdoors and local parks this fall, so take a socially distanced hike and pack a picnic. Enjoy a family car ride to enjoy the fall foliage when the weather turns cool, or hold a faux tailgate in your driveway. Rake leaves, perfect your apple pie recipe or warm up next to a campfire on a crisp night.

Coronavirus doesnt have to take all the fun out of everything, says Dr. Vyas. If we all practice and respect the safety guidelines, we can slow the spread of the virus and still experience things that bring us joy.

And dont worry, pumpkin spice lattes are fall 2020 approved for the occasional splurge, of course!

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COVID-19: How to Safely Enjoy Fall Activities Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic - Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic