Halloween Activity Health Tips During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Halloween will likely look different this year as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic persists throughout the United States. Many families look forward to Halloween festivities, and there are a variety of creative and safe ways to celebrate while reducing the spread of COVID-19.

This is a great time for health care professionals to educate the public and remind everyone about the importance of masks, physical distancing (staying at least 6 feet apart), and frequent hand washing. Individuals should not let their guard down during Halloween, as it is critical to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is also an important time to remind the community that everyone’s actions have a direct impact on the health of others.

Both the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have issued guidance on Halloween activities, and health and safety measures.^1,2 “The decisions we make on this 1 day can have a ripple effect on our family members.We can find safe ways to celebrate and create magical memories,” said Shelly Vaziri Flais, MD, FAAP, pediatrician and AAP spokesperson in a prepares statement.²

Evidence demonstrates that even small family gatherings can lead to COVID-19 spread when appropriate safety measures are not followed.³

Hosting a virtual costume party is a great way to stay connected with family and friends.2 Pumpkin carving, decorating, and a Halloween movie night with members of the same household can be fun for all ages. Creating a Halloween themed scavenger hunt by hiding treats around the house is also sure to be a big hit.

Outdoor activities with family and friends that are not in the same household should involve physical distancing, mask wearing, and frequent hand washing.^1,2 Drive through events are being advertised on social media as a safe way to experience Halloween without getting out of the car, and may even have curbside treats and pumpkins. Attending an outdoor costume parade can be a fun way to celebrate Halloween, as long as all health and safety measures are followed. If visiting a pumpkin patch, it’s important to wash hands or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol after touching surfaces and pumpkins.¹ Crowds should be avoided, and individuals should not attend indoor events such as haunted houses, as these can increase the spread of COVID-19.²

Individuals should avoid traditional trick-or-treating, and residents should sit outdoors wearing face coverings if they would like to hand out individually packaged treats. Families should bring hand sanitizer and use frequently while trick-or-treating, and wash their hands after returning home. All individuals aged 2 years and older should wear adequate face coverings, as costume masks are not sufficient against COVID-19 transmission, if trick-or-treating.¹

It also is important to offer non-candy options for children with food allergies, and in doing so, households can participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project.² All families should wipe down treat bags and keep candy in quarantine for a few days as an extra precaution.¹    

REFERENCES

• CDC. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Trick or treating and other Halloween activities. Updated October 9, 2020. Accessed October 14, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/halloween.html​
• AAP. American Academy of Pediatrics offers tips for a safe Halloween during pandemic. Published September 22, 2020. Accessed October 14, 2020. https://services.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/health--safety-tips/american-academy-of-pediatrics-offers-tips-for-a-safe-halloween-during-pandemic/​
• Schwartz NG, Moorman AC, Makaretz A, et al. Adolescent with COVID-19 as the Source of an Outbreak at a 3-Week Family Gathering — Four States, June–July 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020;69:1457–1459. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6940e2.