Covid-19, the worldwide pandemic surging across continents has created problems for all types of events and holidays this year. This month specifically, health officials are finding ways to enjoyably celebrate Halloween without risking the safety of others. During a time where families and friends come together to take part in fall activities, one must ensure health guidelines are followed at all times.
Knowing children and families will want to celebrate Halloween this year as normal as possible, the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) has created a range of guidelines for families and friends to follow. These guidelines range from low-risk activities to high-risk activities noting the safety of each. However, it is important to note that if one has COVID, has symptoms, or has been in contact with someone who had it, they should not participate in in-person Halloween activities including trick-or-treating and giving out candy.
“People need to do what’s best for themselves and their families,” school nurse Mrs. Hernandez said. “All guidelines in place need to be followed.”
In traditional Halloween fashion, many children and teenagers go from door to door to trick-or-treat; this along with COVID is labeled as a high-risk activity by the CDC. Other activities included under this category also include trunk or treats, attending costume parties where there is generally large crowding, and indoor haunted houses where the spread of the virus is more likely.
“The issue with these places, for example, haunted houses, is how do they social distance? People are screaming, hot, running… will their mask stay on? Plus this is indoors,” Hernandez said.
As an alternative to these hazardous activities, the CDC has provided a large list of potential ways to continue to celebrate the holiday. Participating in trick-or-treating is a tradition many do not want to give up, hence, one-way trick-or-treating where individually wrapped goodie bags are placed for families and children to grab is a moderately safe alternative. If possible, some households are creating “contraptions” to creatively bring the candy down to the children.
“I think that is a great idea,” Hernandez said on the topic of these contraptions. “It helps with social distancing.”
With the possibility of Halloween being banned this year due to COVID, many teens and young children have worries about what they could do instead, on the holiday. While most governments and the CDC have not brought up the idea of completely doing away with Halloween this year, it will be difficult for many children and teens to adapt.
“For little kids, it’s gonna be hard because some of them still don’t understand what’s going on,” senior Bailey Crippen said. “There should have been ways that we could’ve done it for the younger kids, but I understand, especially for older kids that just do whatever they want. It makes sense.”
People often dress up in costumes during this time of year, with costume parties as a fun way to compare what they wore. As these are not possible during these times, a socially distanced party that is outdoors with masks ensured and limited people can be a possible substitute. In this case of any party, one must be sure that each individual is COVID-free and has not been in contact with anyone with the virus. The party must ensure social-distancing of at least 6 feet; masks are highly recommended (CDC).
“I think if it’s done in the right way, that you can, but if you’re not being cautious of your health and people around you then it’s not okay,” Crippen explains her thoughts on these small get-togethers.
If one is to go out in their costume on Halloween night a mask must be worn, similarly to when one goes out to the store. However, a costume mask is not a substitute for a regular, cloth mask. They should not be used unless it has 2 or more layers, covers the mouth and nose, and does not leave any gaps around the face. It is also critical to note to not wear a costume mask over a protective mask as it can make it hard to breathe. Instead, one can consider a Halloween-themed mask or the regular type they wear normally.
“A costume mask should not take the place of a face mask. A good idea has been to incorporate a cloth face mask into your costume,” Hernandez said.
Outdoor, one-way haunted houses that ensure social distancing of 6-feet and mask use is also a possibility though, greater distance is advised if screaming will occur to prevent greater spread. As people often attend these haunted houses in groups, the CDC recommends reducing the size of these groups somewhat significantly to ensure the safety of oneself and others. This haunted house, along with the previously stated activities is noted as “moderate risk activities” by the CDC meaning while they are possible, there is still the possibility of the virus spreading.
“It depends on how many people are there. If it’s a small group then I think it would be okay as long as everybody followed the rules,” Crippen said on the feeling of safety she would feel in these in-person gatherings.
Furthermore, safe alternatives for Halloween known as “low-risk activities” include a Halloween-themed movie night or gathering with one’s household, decorating one’s space, carving pumpkins with family, or socially distanced friends/neighbors, and socially distanced walks viewing house decorations. Through the following of these guidelines and recommendations, one is able to safely celebrate this holiday.
“2020 is truly a different year for everyone. We have had to learn to live differently. There are still activities that could be done safely,” Hernandez concluded. “In planning activities, remember to follow the guidelines to keep yourself and your family safe. Halloween is not canceled, just be different.”