Let's Do Halloween Safely!

​The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruptions in “normal life” in the United States, and that includes Halloween. With just over a month to go until Oct. 31, some major fall festivals and hayrides were canceled long ago, when it was clear that having lots of people in a confined area wasn’t possible because of public health restrictions. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines break down low, medium and higher risk activities. Here are some ways to stay safe while still enjoying the holiday and some new activities to try!


Trick-or-treating

• Anyone participating in trick-or-treating, including those passing out candy, should maintain 6-feet of social distance and wear proper face coverings.
• Consider leaving individually wrapped candy (spaced apart) on a table in driveways or in front of walkways, sidewalks, or any outdoor space where 6-feet of distance can be maintained.
• A Halloween costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask. Ensure that breathing is not impaired if a cloth mask is worn under a costume mask.  If so, discard the costume mask.
• Trick-or-treat in groups with household members only.
• Candy collected during trick-or-treating should not be eaten until after handwashing.
  

An alternative to traditional trick-or-treating is to set up in a large parking lot or other outdoor setting with tables with individually wrapped candy (spaced apart) where participants with a parent/guardian can parade past while still keeping 6-feet of distance and wearing a face covering.  It’s suggested to offer reserved time slots to limit everyone showing up at once.
  
Pumpkin patches, orchards, & hayrides

• Cloth face coverings and social distancing should be enforced.
•  Use hand sanitizer before handling pumpkins, apples, and other produce.

• Hayrides should not exceed 50% capacity with parties spaced at least six feet apart.
• Wear face coverings at all times when around people not from your household.

Try The Good Kind Of Ghosting

Ring the doorbell of a friend, leave a special bag of goodies out front, and then run before anyone can get to the door. Tape a big sign to the bag that says, “You’ve been booed!” along with the recipient’s name and who it’s from so they know exactly who to thank for the sweet surprise.


Host A Reverse Trick-Or-Treat

Choose a worthy organization and find out what non monetary donations they need. Then ask people in your neighborhood to drop those things off. You can watch a family Halloween movie while you prep the items for donation.
 
Organize A Trunk-Or-Treat

You might still take part in the tradition of dressing up the car trunk and gathering in a parking lot to give and receive candy. Note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls trunk-or-treating a "higher risk" activity, but parents can take steps to make it safer. For example, everyone should wear a face mask, maintain social distancing, park in alternate spots, and set out cones 6 feet from the car with a rope between them that’s clipped with candy for trick-or-treaters.