There is no doubt the way we do almost everything this year is different because of COVID-19. Celebrating Halloween is a perfect example of this.
Even though things have changed this year, that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. There are plenty of great ways for families to enjoy this holiday while staying safe.
Here is everything you need to know before making your Halloween plans for this year.
Consider lower-risk Halloween activities
Lower-risk activities are the best way to celebrate Halloween as a family while avoiding any serious risk of contracting COVID-19. Most of these activities can be done at home and include:
- Cooking up yummy Halloween treats
- Enjoying a spooky movie night at home with your family
- Decorating the outside of your home
- Carving pumpkins
- Holding a virtual costume contest
- Putting together a scavenger hunt in your home or yard
- Walking or driving through your community while admiring decorations
- Having a socially distant costume parade through your neighborhood
Take precautions at Halloween community events
Some people might be interested in leaving their home to celebrate Halloween by attending community events. If this is part of your family’s plan, it is important to take safety precautions while doing so.
Always avoid crowds and practice social distancing. You’ll also want to focus on events that are outdoor, as opposed to indoor. Some may include:
- Haunted forests rather than haunted houses
- Outdoor socially distant costume parties
- Pumpkin patches and apple orchards Outdoor movie nights staying in your car at the drive-in or sitting with your immediate family at a park or other venue
- Halloween events at outdoor venues like parks and zoos
Again, keep a distance of at least six feet between yourself and other people who aren’t part of your household. Children over the age of two as well as adults need to wear face masks in these settings as well. It is important to note a mask that comes with a costume is not a good substitute for one that fits correctly.
At these community events, there may be attendees shouting and screaming. When individuals do this, it can spread infected droplets through the air. Do your best to stay away from these individuals by keeping a distance of more than six feet just to be safe.
Finally, bring hand sanitizer and have everyone in your family use it often.
Change up trick-or-treating
Traditional trick-or-treating is the ultimate Halloween activity, but it’s very risky in terms of COVID-19. The same goes for any community “trunk-or-treat” activities.
You’ll need to get creative this year if you want to take part in trick-or-treating while practicing social distancing. Make individual goodie bags and leave them for trick-or-treaters on your driveway. Some people have even built “candy ziplines” to use on Halloween night. Whatever route you choose to go, remember to wear a face mask and gloves while preparing and handling candy to pass out.
Rule out other higher-risk Halloween activities
Trick-or-treating and trunk-or-treating are two of many higher-risk activities when it comes to celebrating Halloween during COVID-19. Try your best to have your family avoid high-risk activities this year. They include:
- Hayrides with people who aren’t part of your household
- Festivals in other communities, especially if you live in an area with a high rate of COVID-19 infection
- Indoor events, like costume parties and haunted houses
And as always, if you have COVID-19, are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have been around someone with COVID-19, stay home. This is very important in terms of stopping the spread of this virus and keeping our communities safe.
Stay updated on what Bon Secours is doing related to COVID-19.
