Halloween is the quintessential fall festivity, but obviously, this year’s celebration brings with it many questions, the most pressing of which is, “Is Halloween canceled this year?” Today, we’re sharing five tips and safety suggestions from Lisa Schrader, MPH, CHES, who is the Director of Health Promotion at Middle Tennessee State University, for how to still celebrate Halloween in the safest way possible.
5 Tips for Celebrating Halloween & Minimize COVID Risks
Halloween doesn’t have to be canceled altogether, but continue using the risk reduction strategies we know to be helpful: wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet apart from people outside of your household, avoid large gatherings, wash your hands, and stay home when you’re sick. In addition, here are five additional suggestions that can help you safely celebrate Halloween.
1. Consider celebrating outside with a small group of friends. The fresh air helps dilute virus particulates that might be present. Bonfires with a limited guest list are good options to consider since they can easily be socially distanced. Consider pooling your money to rent or purchase a projector, and watch your favorite scary movie with a handful of friends on the wall of your house. Pumpkin patches can also be safe if you are able to socially distance from others. For example, stick to the corn maze and avoid the face painting.
2. Always wear a mask. Halloween makes this easy as the mask can be incorporated as part of a costume or hidden underneath it completely. Just be aware that most costume masks are not effective on their own for protection as they may be open at the bottom or not tightly fitted around the sides of the face.
3. Avoid indoor haunted houses, which are notorious for tight spaces and for people huddling together.
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4. If you are going to pass out candy to trick or treaters, ditch the usual bucket or basket of candy and instead spread single servings of candy on a table outside your door. Make a sign encouraging people to only take one, or stand outside but distant from the children as you greet them.
5. If alcohol will be a part of your celebration, avoid kegs or other common use containers and stick to single-serve bottles or cans. As a bonus, this system makes it easy to keep track of your consumption as the serving sizes are standardized.
Thank you, Lisa. Enjoy a safe and spooky Halloween!
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