Halloween is on many minds this week, ours included. With the holiday arriving on Saturday in the midst of a global (and very local) pandemic, many of us are grappling with how best to enjoy the evening while staying safe and true to our Oredigger Promise commitments.
The good news is that Halloween isn’t cancelled – even though at least one of us had a child assert that this week. And all of you need (yes, need) to use your Saturday evening to pause and unplug. However, the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in our state means we must do so carefully and thoughtfully. While Halloween isn’t cancelled, it must be a much quieter, smaller and safer holiday this year.
As a result of the ongoing increase in cases and hospitalizations in our state, several counties in our area on Tuesday were moved to new “Safer at Home” levels and required to further restrict headcount and activities at restaurants, stores and other venues. And last Friday, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment put in place a limit on all personal gatherings to no more than 10 people from no more than two separate households in “Safer at Home” counties, including Jefferson County.
What does all this mean for you and your Saturday?
This Halloween, Orediggers should stay close to home and mix only with those in their current household—and maybe another set of friends who live and learn together. If you’re hosting a small gathering, consider bundling up (unless you’re already wearing a Wookiie costume) and moving onto a porch—while still keeping masks on and a six-foot distance between households. Watching a scary movie or settling in for a board game? Keep it to you and your roommates.
You may also want to consider working in a hike on Saturday afternoon or ordering takeout from a Golden restaurant you haven’t tried yet. And you should definitely consider volunteering for, or dropping off cans to support, USG’s“Trick or Treat So Golden Can Eat” effort.
Whatever you do, please stay safe. After all, we only have four weeks left until Thanksgiving. Masking up, social distancing and sticking close to home (and your roommates) will help ensure we get there in good shape—and all together.
We’re so proud to be a part of this community, this year more than ever. Mines really can do things others can’t. And the reason is you. Thank you for all you do.
Sincerely,
Dan Fox, Vice President of Student Life
Rebecca Flintoft, Associate Vice President of Student Life
Derek Morgan, Dean of Students
Colin Terry, Assistant Vice President of Student Life
David Hansburg, Athletic Director