While Halloween is one of the most anticipated annual events for children and families as a whole, many parents wonder if it’s safe to participate in during the pandemic. There are many ways to enjoy Halloween without putting yourself and your kids at risk, while other activities considered low or high risk will require some extra precautions.
The Center for Disease Control CDC has created an extensive list of dos and don’ts for Halloween 2020.
Low-Risk Activities
According to the CDC, the safest Halloween events are the ones you enjoy with your family. Here are some lower-risk activities that are safe options for typical Halloween activities:
• Decorating and carving pumpkins with other members is always a fun way to enjoy Halloween. You can put candles inside and then put them on display.
• Pumpkin decorations and displays can also be done safely outside
• Decorating the house, whether for fun or to engage in some friendly neighborly competition, never gets dull.
• Scavenger hunts can bring a lot of excitement and are safe to do at home or with neighbors (provided everyone has been screened and maintain social distancing, especially while wearing masks). Social distancing should be practiced as kids hunt for items.
• Embracing the new norm and stage a costume contest or party virtually.
• Scary movie night and online watch parties with Halloween-themed treats is a great way to avoid going outdoors or to culminate a fun evening
Moderate-Risk Halloween Activities
The CDC recommends that families should put trick or treat candies and other goodies in their drive-way or across their yard, so that young ones can safely pick them up without getting close to anyone. Good luck making sure kids will take only a few pieces though!
People preparing treat bags are to practice proper safety measures by washing their hands thoroughly for half a minute. This will help to protect the trick or treaters.
Having a small costume parade where social distancing and the wearing of masks is practiced is a great way to have fun with others outside your household. Avoid costume face coverings and replace them with protective cloth masks unless the costume one is double-layered and you can breathe through it.
Open-air haunted forests allow people to go only one direction while wearing a mask and practice social distancing is considered only slightly risky. If screaming happens, the distance between parties should be increased to avoid spreading droplets.
Apple and pumpkin picking are considered okay with constant sanitizing, mask-wearing, and social distancing.
Families can take the movie night outside with a few people staying six feet away from each other.
The farther apart you are, the safer everyone will be. When in doubt, especially with cook-outs, follow the CDC guide.
High-Risk Halloween Activities
Any activity other than those labeled as low and moderate risk is not recommended by the CDC, especially if there are multiple people drinking involved, which can cloud judgment. Crowds are harder to control, and the risk of respiratory droplets spreading increases with the number of people present. Avoid activities like hayrides and tractor rides in addition to out-of-town festivals.
