My favorite holidays are the fall holidays, especially Halloween. I decorate my house inside and out and buy candy early just to get ready. We sit out on the front porch and watch all of the families trick-or-treating, commenting on the best costumes we see. This year, however, Halloween will look very different. Grabbing candy from a stranger and then eating it right away (you know you do), without first washing your hands, is a pandemic no-no. Big parties with friends and family are also a pandemic no-no. And don’t get me started on bobbing for apples. I doubt that will ever make a comeback. So what can we do to celebrate the best day of the year?
Nobody wants to disappoint their children. This year, parents should plan fun and creative ways to celebrate Halloween while still staying safe. In order to stay safe, you need to know how this virus spreads. SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19, primarily spreads through the air in droplets that come from our nose and mouth. This is why we recommend wearing a mask and maintaining distance from others. Furthermore, it is possible that it lingers in the air, which is why we also recommend seeing people who aren’t in your quarantine bubble outside only. The good air flow outdoors carries virus-containing droplets away.
Picking up the virus from contaminated surfaces is another possible way SARS-CoV2 spreads. Contaminated surfaces are called fomites. Fomite spread is less likely than respiratory droplet spread but is still possible. This is another reason masks are helpful because it prevents the virus containing droplets from landing on surfaces around us. This is also the reason we recommend good handwashing and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
Taking the route of spread into consideration, what are some ways to have a fun and safe Halloween while reducing the risk of spread?
- Stay home and carve pumpkins, eat yummy treats or watch a Halloween themed movie.
- Plan a virtual costume contest with friends and family.
- Participate in outside activities like visiting a pumpkin patch. Don’t forget to wear your face covering and maintain 6 feet from other visitors!
- Plan a neighborhood costume parade outside, keeping individual families distanced from each other.
What about Trick-or-Treating?
Trick-or-treating doesn’t just affect your children, it also affects your neighbors. Many people don’t feel comfortable having people come to their door right now. Furthermore, some communities may not allow trick-or-treating at all. Here are some tips to keep it safe if you go out:
- For those of you handing out candy, sit outside with a mask on. Offer treats from a bowl placed distantly and allow children to take from the bowl. Try offering non-food treats, which also helps those with food allergies.
- For parents, make sure costumes incorporate face coverings appropriate for reducing the spread of COVID-19 instead of a plastic costume mask. Keep children from gathering at doorsteps, have them wait with you until those ahead of them have moved on.
- Don’t eat any treats along the route. Wash hands when you get home and wipe down packaging before your children dig in.
Unfortunately, everything this year is different. From school to holidays, COVID-19 has altered our lives. The most important thing you can do for your child regarding Halloween, is keep a positive attitude and be creative. Happy haunting!
As a pediatrician, I’m sure you’re aware of the data that shows that COVID19 is hardly a risk for children. The flu is much more of a risk for kids. I understand that a lot of people will not feel comfortable having kids come up to their door, if THEY are at risk. But if neighbors in a community are comfortable with it, and parents aren’t personally at risk, there is no scientific or data backed reason for healthy kids to stay home and not trick or treat. It’s an outdoor activity, for goodness sake. Although I’m all for non-food treats, it’s not healthy for kids to eat mounds of candy anyway.
Thank you for your comment. Yes while kids have less severe symptoms of covid compared to adults, some still do get very sick and some have died. Just like with influenza as you mentioned, healthy kids with no risk factors can get very sick. There are several issues with Halloween. First and foremost, kids don’t trick or treat alone, they go with parents who then start to gather and chit chat. Even in those adults who do not feel they are high risk they can still certainly get very sick or die from covid. Secondly, all of these people who may get minimally sick can still pass the virus on to others. In an effort to control the pandemic, protect our family and friends, and return to some sort of normal public life, typical trick or treating or Halloween gatherings may have to be modified this year. Doesn’t mean it can’t be fun!