Don’t be spooked by Covid
Trying to figure out how to have a safe and fun Halloween? Things won’t be like normal , what is lately, but based on your comfort level there are things you can do. Below is a list of activities based on risk level put out by the CDC.
At our house this year we will still be doing an outdoor haunted trail. We will be making adjustments so people can go through individually, or in their group, while still maintaining a safe distance from others. We will also be delivering candy through a skull attached to a 8 foot long tube. The candy will be delivered contact free through the skull mouth.
In my neighborhood people who don’t have children have offered to hand out candy, physically distanced, (at the end of the driveway) for families who have children so the parents can go with kids to ensure they are being cautious. This is the kind of silver lining I love.
Whatever you decide to do, I hope you some good safe fun.
Activities the CDC considers high risk include:
Participating in traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed to children who go door to door.
Having trunk-or-treat where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in large parking lots.
Attending crowded costume parties held indoors.
Going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming.
Going on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household.
Using alcohol or drugs, which can cloud judgment and increase risky behaviors.
Traveling to a rural fall festival that is not in your community if you live in an area with community spread of COVID-19.
Activities the CDC believes pose a moderate risk of spreading COVID-19 include:
Participating in one-way trick-or-treating in which individually wrapped goody bags are lined up for families to grab and take while continuing to social distance (such as at the end of a driveway or at the edge of a yard). Those preparing the bags should wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after preparing the bags.
Having a small group, outdoor, open-air costume parade where people are distanced more than 6 feet apart.
Attending a costume party held outdoors where protective masks are used and people can remain more than 6 feet apart.
A costume mask (such as for Halloween) is not a substitute for a cloth mask. A costume mask should not be used unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose and doesn’t leave gaps around the face. Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask because it can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.
Going to an open-air, one-way, walk-through haunted forest where appropriate mask use is enforced, and people can remain more than 6 feet apart. If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised. The greater the distance, the lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus.
Visiting pumpkin patches or orchards where people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or picking apples, wearing masks is encouraged or enforced, and people are able to maintain social distancing.
Having an outdoor Halloween movie night with local family friends with people spaced at least 6 feet apart. If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised. The greater the distance, the lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus.
According to the CDC these activities are at low risk for spreading the virus:
Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them.
Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends.
Decorating your house, apartment or living space.
Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance.
Having a virtual Halloween costume contest.
Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with.
Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house.