Coronavirus has affected almost everything we do – including celebrating Halloween. To help you stay safe, the CDC released its list of Halloween activities that carry the highest risk of coronavirus transmission. It’s no surprise that door-to-door trick or treating is among them.
Higher Risk Activities
To help prevent Covid spread, the CDC recommends avoiding:
- Traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed out to children going door-to-door. Instead, consider participating in one-way trick-or-treating where individually wrapped goodie bags are placed at the end of a driveway or yard for kids to grab and go.
- Trunk-or-treating where treats are handed out from car trunks lined up in parking lots.
- Haunted houses where there may be screaming and crowds.
- Crowded indoor costume parties.
- Hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household.
Lower Risk Activities
The CDC recommends considering these lower risk activities instead:
- Carving pumpkins with members of your household or with friends at safe distance outside.
- Have a virtual Halloween costume contest.
- Decorate your home.
- Have a Halloween movie night with members of your household.
- Have a Halloween scavenger hunt. Children are given lists of Halloween-themed items to find as they walk from house to house at a distance.
Some Lower Risk Events in Jacksonville
- Spooktacular at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, October 23-31
- Halloween CARnival and Grand Opening Celebration, Baptist Health Place at Nocatee, October 24
- Hollow’s Fest at James Weldon Johnson Park, October 26-30
- Girls Golf Pumpkin Putt and Scavenger Hunt, October 27
- Flight Fit N Fun Halloween Event, October 29
- Michaels Kids Club: Monster Bash, October 30
Costume Safety
If your child is wearing a costume look for “flame-resistant” on the label. Make sure the costume is bright and reflective and the shoes fit well. Avoid costume accessories such as long swords or canes and consider non-toxic make-up. Lastly, do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and prescription from an eyecare professional. Using them without a prescription is dangerous, illegal may lead to infections and serious eye disorders.
Costume Masks
The CDC says using a costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask during Covid. A costume mask should only be used if it consists of two or more layers of breathable fabric that doesn’t leave gaps around the face and covers the nose and mouth.
With a little planning, you can enjoy Halloween while minimizing your risk to coronavirus transmission.
Click here for more Halloween safety tips.
