Choosing costumes, decorating pumpkins, and getting special treats brings joy to many children at Halloween. Some Halloween traditions may look different this year to keep everyone safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are still plenty of ways families can have fun while avoiding the scare of being exposed to or spreading the virus.
Most importantly, keep doing what you have been doing: avoiding large gatherings, keeping a distance of six feet from others, wearing cloth face coverings, and washing hands often. Here are some ideas for ways to keep safety steps in place while celebrating:
Virtual costume parties & parades:
Use video chats for an online party with friends and family and show off costumes and play games. Have fun with it! In cold climates, this may be the first time your child can wear a costume that isn’t buried under a parka! Outdoor costume parades are another option, if it is possible for everyone to stay at least 6 feet apart and wear cloth face coverings.
Make trick-or-treating safer:
-Avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters.
-Give out treats outdoors, if possible.
-Set up a station with individually bagged treats for kids to take.
-Wash hands before handling treats.
-Wear a mask.
Wear a mask
-Make your cloth mask part of your costume.
-A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask.
-Do NOT wear a costume mask over a cloth mask. It can make breathing more difficult.
-Masks should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing
Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you
Indoors and outdoors, you are more likely to get or spread COVID-19 when you are in close contact with others for a long time.
Wash your hands
Bring hand sanitizer with you and use it after touching objects or other people.
Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Parents: supervise young children using hand sanitizer.
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home and before you eat any treats.
Info from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/halloween.html
Wyatt Cooper, Staff Writer
Wyatt Cooper is currently a junior at the Rock Academy.
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