Halloween is a lot scarier this year. Not only are the usual ghosts, ghouls and goblins lurking around at night but also a pandemic is still looming over everybody’s heads. If you’re concerned about your child’s safety this Halloween, here are a few tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to keep them safe from COVID-19.
1. Wear A Mask
Wearing a mask has been proven time and time again to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Luckily masks are also an integral part of your Halloween costume! But be selective about what kind of mask you choose to wear. The CDC warns that plastic costume masks are ineffective against COVID-19, and you should avoid doubling up on cloth masks in case you have trouble breathing.
2. Bring Hand Sanitizer
One of the most effective ways to protect yourself against COVID-19 is to wash your hands regularly with water and soap for at least 20 seconds. However, you’re not going to have easy access to a sink while trick-or-treating, so bring hand sanitizer to regularly disinfect your hands. The CDC recommends using sanitizer with a least 60% alcohol.
3. Keep Your Distance
You’ve heard the term “social distance” way too many times over the past several months, but it’s even more important to adhere to during Halloween. For one thing, the CDC doesn’t recommend getting closer than 6 feet with anybody that isn’t part of your own household. Maintain that same distance when approaching houses or neighbors. If you’re handing out candy, consider distance-friendly options like setting up a candy slide, bowls or bags.
4. Stay Outside
One positive about trick-or-treating is that it’s outdoors, which is a good thing against COVID-19. The more space there is between you and others, the less likely you are to get infected. However, that by extension does mean indoor events are higher risk. Avoid large Halloween parties outside of your own household.
5. Seek Alternative Activities
If you’re concerned about the risks that inevitably come with trick-or-treating, then maybe opt out of door knocking for a more personalized at-home experience. You could carve a pumpkin and light up your own jack-o'-lantern. You can set up candy around the house and have a Halloween scavenger hunt. Or you could keep things low-key by putting on a horror movie while relaxing with your own bowl of candy. Regardless of what tricks you pull on Halloween, spending time with your family is the best treat.