How to keep your kids’ safe while trick or treating during the pandemic

The danger of contracting COVID-19 during Halloween events may be reduced this year for families who have received the full COVID-19 vaccine. Although COVID is on the rise, it’s crucial to help keep trick-or-treating and other Halloween customs safe, especially if your children aren’t yet old enough to receive the vaccine.

A dilemma arises as Halloween approaches, one of the most beloved fall traditions among children: Will it be safe for them to go trick-or-treating this year, given the surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations linked to the delta form? 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health authorities say yes.

According to the CDC, as a result of last year’s pandemic, traditional Halloween door-to-door trick-or-treating was banned, but that won’t be the case this year.

If you plan on letting your kids take part in this Halloween tradition, there are some things you must keep in mind, especially with the threat of COVID-19 still around the corner. 

With COVID-19 affecting the world last year, Halloween 2020 paved the way for people to innovate ways to trick-or-treat while also limiting the transmission of viruses. In the meantime, scientists have found that the chance of COVID-19 being transmitted through candy wrappers is relatively low.

COVID-19 continues to spread at moderate to high rates in many parts of the country. The highly contagious delta variation continues to kill more kids and teens than the dominant strain that decimated the world in 2020. Parents may be concerned about the safety of their children partaking in Halloween activities and games and whether or not they should stay at home this year.

According to Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), children may still have a safe and enjoyable Halloween.

Here’s a helpful safety guide for drivers and trick or treaters on Halloween:

For Parents and Trick-or-Treaters: 

Always Wear Your Mask 

Regardless of whether you think a mask would match your costume or not, wearing a mask is the key to preventing transmission. Children under the age of 12 are still not eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine. It’s important to remember that they’re still at risk of catching the virus, especially if they don’t mark up. 

For children two and older, wearing a mask remains an effective strategy to limit the spread of COVID-19 infection due to respiratory transmission. Halloween masks aren’t a good substitute for anti-virus masks because they’re not designed to stop viral particles from spreading. 

Face masks can be incorporated into a child’s costume in various innovative ways by their parents. Alternatively, children can disguise their faces by donning a face mask behind their costume masks. If this is an option, parents should make sure their child has enough air to breathe comfortably.

Due to the close contact with others, children and parents alike, regardless of vaccination status, should wear a mask when attending indoor gatherings or walking door-to-door. Face masks should be worn by those handing out candy.

Stay Outdoors and Avoid Halloween Parties in Enclosed Spaces 

The virus spreads faster in enclosed spaces. It would be best to avoid attending Halloween parties held in confined spaces to prevent the spread of the virus. 

Activities that are carried out outside are safer than those conducted inside. Trick-or-treating is a low-risk activity because it takes place primarily in the open air. According to public health officials, indoor activities such as parties should be avoided because they increase the risk of the virus spreading.

The California Department of Public Health recommends that people celebrate Halloween by going to open-air haunted forests or corn mazes or hosting neighborhood costume parades.

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Halloween guidance, people should improve ventilation by opening windows, doors, or running their heat, air conditioning, or air purifier for indoor gatherings.

Do Not Go Out If You Are Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms

A quarantine period of 7 to 10 days is required if you have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Even if you haven’t been around anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you should stay home and not go trick-or-treating if you have any symptoms of the virus.

Socially Distance Yourself from Other People, Especially if You Haven’t Been Vaccinated.

Avoid going trick-or-treating in a large group. Make it a family outing by going with just yours or another family you know well.

When going from one house to the next, keep a safe distance from the people around you.

For Drivers

Be Extra Cautious 

During October, when several Halloween celebrations are planned, drivers should be aware of increasing pedestrians. When driving through a residential area, drivers should take it slow and be on the lookout for children darting across the street or out of parked cars.

Driving on Halloween night can be especially difficult with all the children running around on the street during nighttime. There will be instances where it can be challenging to spot them. When driving during Halloween night, make sure to remain extra attentive and cautious.