By 
October 1, 2020
It’s October, which means the weather is getting cooler, leaves are falling and the countdown to Halloween has officially begun.
As you make plans this fall, don’t forget about COVID-19. We must do everything we can to protect individuals, their families, and friends against this virus.
That starts with assessing current coronavirus levels to determine whether to host or attend a celebration.
“There are several factors that contribute to the risk of getting infected or infecting others with the virus that causes COVID-19,” the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said. “In combination, these factors will create various amounts of risk, so it is important to consider them individually and together.”
How can I stay safe?
So, you’ve reviewed the CDC’s holiday risk factors and decided to get together with friends and/or family.
Here’s what you need to do to protect yourself and others:
- Practice social distancing – or stay 6 feet apart.
- Wear a mask, especially indoors or in groups of 10 or more people.
- Limit contact with commonly touched surfaces or shared items.
- Wash your hands.
- Keep safe around food and drinks.
These simple measures can help reduce your risk of being exposed to, getting, or spreading COVID-19 in our community.
What activities are “high-risk”?
While no activity is completely risk-free, some Halloween traditions can be high-risk for spreading COVID-19 and other viruses.
The CDC’s full list of high-risk activities is as follows:
- Traditional, door-to-door trick-or-treating
- Trunk-or-treat events
- Crowded costume parties held indoors
- Indoor haunted houses where people may be crowded together and screaming
- Hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household
- Using alcohol or drugs, which can cloud judgement and increase risky behaviors
- Traveling to a rural fall festival that is not in your community if you live in an area with community spread of COVID-19
Are there any safer alternatives?
Although trick-or-treating is not a COVID-safe activity this year, there are lots of other ways you can celebrate the season.
For example, you can decorate your living space or carve/decorate pumpkins with members of your household. You can also include friends or neighbors by carving or decorating pumpkins outside while at a safe distance.
Looking for something to do with the kids? Consider hosting a scavenger hunt, where children receive lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house-to-house while admiring Halloween decorations at a distance.
Show off your costume with a virtual Halloween costume contest or plan a Halloween movie night with the people you live with. The options are endless!
If you’re curious about local Halloween and fall-themed events where you can safely social distance, check out this list from Rocket City Mom.
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For more information from the CDC about Halloween safety, click here.
