Covid And Trick Or Treating

As with all things this year, Halloween and trick or treating will look very different this year for most folks. Just this month, this CDC article warns against classic door-to-door trick or treating as the pandemic is still a very real threat to both young and old alike.

The CDC article lists the following as “lower risk activities” for those who still want to celebrate the spooky holiday:

• Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them
• Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends
• Decorating your house, apartment, or living space
• Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance
• Having a virtual Halloween costume contest
• Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with
• Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house

Additionally, if your neighborhood or building has a “pod” that has isolated together, having each family select a fun activity (like glow sticks or sticker books) or candy that the kids can get from each house.

The CDC also lists the following as “moderate risk activities” for reference:

• Participating in one-way trick-or-treating where individually wrapped goodie bags are lined up for families to grab and go while continuing to social distance (such as at the end of a driveway or at the edge of a yard)
  • If you are preparing goodie bags, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 second before and after preparing the bags.
• Having a small group, outdoor, open-air costume parade where people are distanced more than 6 feet apart
• Attending a costume party held outdoors where protective masks are used and people can remain more than 6 feet apart
  • A costume mask (such as for Halloween) is not a substitute for a cloth mask. A costume mask should not be used unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose and doesn’t leave gaps around the face.
  • Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask because it can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.
• Going to an open-air, one-way, walk-through haunted forest where appropriate mask use is enforced, and people can remain more than 6 feet apart
  • If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised. The greater the distance, the lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus.
• Visiting pumpkin patches or orchards where people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or picking apples, wearing masks is encouraged or enforced, and people are able to maintain social distancing
• Having an outdoor Halloween movie night with local family friends with people spaced at least 6 feet apart
  • If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised. The greater the distance, the lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus.
  • Lower your risk by following CDC’s recommendations on hosting gatherings or cook-outs.

And don’t forget that all the “treats” don’t have to be sweet! Since this year’s Halloween will require a little bit more planning and energy, have your fun fright fest catered! Whether its snacks and appetizers, a fun barbeque menu, or a full dinner for your family or pod, Simply Fresh Events is here to help!

With a full decor production team, Simply Fresh Events is also ready to help transform your home into a superhero-approved celebration! Give us a call and let us know how we can help make your Halloween just as special this year!