What do we need to know about Halloween 2020?
This is a question many of us are asking ourselves.
The CDC just released new guidance on how to celebrate Halloween safely. However, many public health officials are encouraging local residents to avoid traditional trick-or-treating for new ways to celebrate. Many cities are also creating new rules and regulations around Halloween festivities, so it’s important to check with your local government to determine what rules may be in place regarding Halloween festivities this year.
The CDC is encouraging lower-risk activities that can be done at home including carving pumpkins, decorating your own dwelling, and virtual Halloween costume contests. We are seeing some communities organize drive-thru trick-or-treating events.
Moderate risk activities that are still better than traditional trick-or-treating or parties include one-way trick-or-treating where individually wrapped goodie bags are lined up for families to grab while continuing to social distance. Make sure you wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before preparing the bags and only use packaged candies or food items.
Outdoor costume parades with social distancing are another option and it is what I will be doing with my son. He is having a major Harry Potter moment!
For costume ideas, you can get creative and incorporate your family's masks into their costume. It will make wearing the masks trick-or-treating more fun!
Visiting pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and orchards is a long-standing fall tradition here in Michigan, but watch out for crowds. Social distancing is still important, even outdoors so please keep your family safe at a six-foot distance or greater.
Individuals with chronic conditions including lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, or cancer should take extra precautions and follow the CDC guidelines fully. Halloween is a fun holiday, but this year especially, we all need to be diligent in safeguarding our family's wellbeing.