By Children’s Health | Contributor
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, activities and holiday celebrations have been quite different this year, and Halloween will be no exception. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised against some traditional Halloween festivities for 2020. While this may be disappointing, there are still safe ways for your family to celebrate Halloween.
Halloween is an event many look forward to, but it’s essential to prioritize safety during these times. If you suspect you may have COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, it’s important to refrain from participating in in-person Halloween activities. Familiarize yourself with high-risk activities for spreading COVID-19 and explore safer alternatives for celebrating with your loved ones.
Is it safe to go trick-or-treating during COVID-19?
According to the CDC’s guidance, traditional trick-or-treating—where children go door-to-door for treats—is not safe. Here is a list of other activities deemed high-risk this Halloween:
High-risk Halloween activities
- Trunk-or-treats
- Crowded indoor costume parties
- Indoor haunted houses, especially ones that prompt screaming
- Attending hayrides with individuals outside your household
- Traveling to rural fall festivals outside your community, particularly in areas with widespread COVID-19
What are the safest Halloween activities during COVID-19?
This Halloween, the safest approach is to engage in lower-risk activities with members of your household. Consider organizing some of the following activities to celebrate the holiday with your family:
5 safe trick-or-treat alternatives
- Carve or decorate pumpkins with your household members, or safely with neighbors or friends outside at a distance.
- Get into the Halloween spirit by decorating your home and playing festive music.
- Set up an outdoor Halloween scavenger hunt with Halloween-themed items to find around your home, or create a list of Halloween decorations to search for while walking from house to house, maintaining distance.
- Host a virtual Halloween costume contest.
- Plan a Halloween movie night at home or visit a drive-in theater with your household members.
Is a costume mask an acceptable alternative for a cloth face mask?
According to the CDC, a costume mask is not an adequate substitute for a cloth face mask. It’s advisable to avoid costume masks unless they consist of two or more layers of breathable fabric that completely cover the mouth and nose without leaving gaps.
Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth face mask, as it can restrict breathing. Instead, consider a Halloween costume that doesn’t include a costume mask but wear a protective cloth face mask that has a Halloween theme.
The CDC recommends that everyone aged 2 years and older wear a cloth face covering, except for individuals who have difficulty breathing or are unable to remove their mask independently. Masks should not be worn by children under the age of 2 due to the risk of suffocation. Learn more about how face masks can help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
5 tips to remember:
- It’s always safer to participate in activities with members of your household.
- Outdoor activities are preferable to indoor activities with others.
- Maintain a safe distance from neighbors and friends.
- Wear a cloth face mask.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are unavailable. While Halloween festivities might look different this year due to COVID-19, you can still create wonderful memories for your child.
