Easter weekend is normally a time to relax and enjoy festivities, family, and, of course, Easter Egg hunts. While COVID-19 and social distancing will undoubtedly change the way celebrate this year, there are still a few tips you should consider if you are able to continue with your annual Easter traditions.

1. Practice Food Safety

If you are able to spare the eggs, dying eggs can be a great way for your child to have fun while also practicing social distancing. However, it is important to practice food safety when handling eggs. After all, eggs are one of the main offenders when it comes to salmonella exposure. Be sure any meant for dying eggs are cooked thoroughly and are kept refrigerated after dying. Also consider using pasteurized eggs to reduce the risk of exposure.

If you plan on consuming your boiled eggs, do so within two hours of removing from the refrigerator.

Of course, for the safest alternative, use plastic eggs with toys and treats.

2. Keep an Eye Out for Choking Hazards

If you do decide to do an Easter Egg hunt, plastic eggs may be the way to go. If you have a young child, avoid filling them with toys and candies that could pose a choking hazard. Check any items you do purchase to ensure they are age appropriate for the your child, and supervise any young children during the hunt as well as after when they begin eating their candy. For toddlers, avoid gum, hard candy, and jelly beans.

3. Use Safe Dyes for Your Colored Easter Eggs

If dying Easter eggs, only use food-grade dyes. Alternatively, you can make your own using tea, beat juice, blueberry juice, grape juice, turmeric, and other food products. Also, check every egg for cracks before dying to avoid cross contamination.

4. Be Aware of Food Allergies

As always, check your candy and treats for any ingredients your child may be allergic to. Eggs are one of the most common allergy-causing foods in the U.S. Additionally, dairy-, peanut-, and gluten-free candy are typically pretty easy to find and will be clearly labeled if you are going the plastic egg route.

5. Watch Out for Potential Hazards During Easter Egg Hunts

One thing you should always consider during an Easter Egg hunt is whether there are any outdoor hazards that could potentially injure a child. This is true even if its just your family participating. Your children will be running with excitement and will likely to be focused on getting that next egg rather than obstacles that may be in front of them. Make sure you put away any water hoses, gardening tools, chemicals, or any other potentially dangerous objects. Also, you should remove any animals from areas where children will be running as a precaution.