Houston families are getting creative with Halloween festivities in a pandemic

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- From candy catapults to chocolate chutes, Halloween during the COVID-19 pandemic will look and feel a little different.

Dr. David Persse with the Houston Health Department says trick-or-treating for the Houston area can be done safely if you follow simple rules.

1. Maintain social distancing

2. Do not use a community candy bowl

3. Wear a face mask, not a Halloween costume mask

SEE ALSO: Halloween events for the whole family around the Houston area

Halloween isn't canceled in Houston, but safety and prevention during the pandemic are still being urged. The video breaks down the different alternatives being urged.

"The plastic masks that go with the costumes, they're not the same as the cloth masks that we're talking about," Persse said. "So I advise mom and dad to make a cloth mask that goes with the costume."

His biggest tip is to not let anyone come to your front door.

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Many families are pre-bagging candy and laying it out on decorated tables. Some are creating candy clothes lines or even a candy chute.

"My plan is to use this to not only deliver candy to the kids, but syringes filled with jello-shots for the adults," said Marian Cabanillas who created a candy chute.

Several cities across the country, including El Paso, have banned trick-or-treating and are asking families to stay home instead. In Houston, many neighbors are ready to celebrate with some changes.

Many families said celebrating the holiday this year isn't so much about the candy and costumes but more about light-hearted fun and smiles--something that may be more important now than ever before.

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