How to Have a Safe Halloween Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic
Halloween is one of the few holidays that appeal to both children and adults. Between trick or treating, candy, and costume parties, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. However, like all things in 2020, Halloween will look different this year. The coronavirus pandemic remains a serious issue in the country, meaning typical activities like door-knocking might not be possible.
There are, however, ways to have a fun and safe Halloween. The Center for Disease Control released guidelines on the safest way to celebrate the holiday, and families nationwide are prepping themselves too. Here are some tips on how to make the most of Halloween under the circumstances.
CDC Guidance
When issuing Halloween recommendations, the CDC broke down common holiday activities into risk categories.
- Low-Risk Activities: Pumpkin carving, virtual costume parties, movie night with family, scavenger hunts
- Medium Risk: Social distance/masked costume parties, outdoor haunted forest, pumpkin picking, or movie night
- High Risk: Traditional trick or treating, indoor parties or haunted houses, or attending events outside your community
One of the keys to fighting COVID-19 from the start has been risk mitigation. The CDC recommends steering clear of high-risk events, many of which are normal Halloween activities. Of course, attending an indoor party doesn’t mean you’ll get sick, but it increases the chances that you come into contact with someone sick. Ultimately, how you spend your Halloween boils down to personal responsibility and decision making. What level of risk are you comfortable taking on, and how will it impact those around you? These are the kind of questions that come up this year.
When it comes to handing out candy, expect to see plenty of bowls and goodie bags left outside. Face-to-face candy handoffs aren’t particularly safe this year, especially since hundreds of people may come in contact with each other through regular trick or treating.
Moreover, the CDC clarified that Halloween masks are not a substitute for protective face coverings. The organization recommends ditching costume masks in favor of protective materials unless the mask is made of at least two layers of breathable fabric and covers your mouth and nose. The CDC also added that wearing a Halloween mask over a cloth mask is not advised, as it may lead to breathing issues. You can find Halloween face masks that protect you and show off your spirit though!
The Bottom Line
More than ever, it’s important for parents to prep ahead and keep their kids informed. If you want to give out candy this year, make sure you have goodie bags or candy bowls prepped for the big day. If your kids still want to trick or treat, explain why Halloween might be a bit different this year and manage their expectations.
Halloween 2020 will be unusual, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. There are plenty of safe indoor and outdoor activities to plan. Just follow expert guidelines, be safe, and enjoy Halloween!
