How to Survive COVID Halloween
Photo by Łukasz Nieścioruk on Unsplash.
The CDC has officially discouraged trick or treating. But: it’s Halloween. People will be out. Here’s how to enjoy the holiday safely.
Mask up.
Of course you’ll be wearing a mask…and not just a rubber one. Just as you would on any (ab)normal day, cover your mouth and nose with a face mask before venturing out, and putting on your costume.
Choose an appropriate persona/costume.
You won’t be going as Donald Trump or a superspreader (because: no mask, and maybe the same thing), but you can incorporate your COVID protection into your Halloween garb. Consider dressing as a doctor, nurse, or other first responder. For a clever morbid look, consider going as a scary person who normally wears a mask, such as a mortician/undertaker, medical examiner, or mad scientist.
Avoid indoor and outdoor Halloween parties.
Too many people in close proximity.
Avoid screamers and yellers.
Screaming and yelling are frightening (read: risky) behaviors during the pandemic. Stay far away from ghouls, goblins, or others who just can’t keep their cool.
Travel in your pod.
It’s safe to stroll with members of your household. With appropriate spacing and masked, it’s likely safe to go around the neighborhood with a few friends and admire Halloween decorations (from a distance). The CDC considers this activity “low risk.”
Use caution near candy.
“Trunk or treats”—where candy is left in car trunks or other pick-your-own locations—is considered “high risk” by the CDC. Realistically, and depending on the community spread in your area, people may toss candy to children from a distance, or leave “grab and go” treats at the end of driveways or on stoops. (Those preparing bags should wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after preparing the bags.)
Wash your hands immediately upon returning home.
When you get home, wash your hands as you normally would as part of your pandemic precautions. While the chance of virus transmission from candy wrappers is likely extremely low, you can take extra precautions by tearing the wrappers, dumping the candy into containers without touching it, and eating the candy when finished. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling wrappers from unknown sources.
Pro Tips
Consider an outdoor scary movie or a visit to a local museum: many are decorating for the holiday and offering treats (and tricks) with appropriate safety protocols.
Avoid drive-through haunted attractions: drivers may become distracted (or, you know, scared) and cause an accident.
Many organizations are holding outdoor scary storytelling, which can be a safe alternative to trick or treating (if there’s no screaming).
Halloween2020.org allows you to check the case count and community spread in your area, and then recommends activities based on risk level.