Halloween will be different this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises skipping traditional trick-or-treating and other festivities involving crowds — which are high-risk for spreading the virus. However,
there are some low-risk activities you can do instead.
“Though many traditional Halloween activities can actually put you at a high risk for viruses, there are plenty of safer ways to still enjoy the holiday,” said Jill Orton, Region Exectutive of the American Red Cross of Nebraska-Iowa. “Consider participating in spooky activities with members of your household or having others join in on the fun virtually.”
Below are the CDC’s list of activities to avoid, and recommendations to safely enjoy the holiday.
AVOID THESE HIGH-RISK ACTIVITIES
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 indoor costume parties
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 judgement and increase risky behaviors
Traveling to a fall festival that is not in your community if you live in an area with community spread of COVID-19
CELEBRATE WITH THESE LOWER-RISK ACTIVITIES
Carve or decorate pumpkins with members of your household
Carve or decorate pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends
Decorate your living space
Do 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
Have a virtual Halloween costume contest
Have a Halloween movie night with people with whom you live
Have a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house
While planning outdoor, socially distanced activities, use the free app Emergency for weather alerts and to let others know you are safe if severe weather occurs. Find this and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.