The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released new guidelines for celebrating Halloween safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the federal guidelines, the CDC is advising against participating in many usual Halloween traditions this year, such as children going door-to-door collecting treats. That’s been called a “high-risk” activity during the pandemic.
Other high-risk activities include attending crowded costume parties held indoors, indoor haunted houses, going on hayrides or tractor rides with non-household members… and also the use of alcohol or drugs, which can cloud judgement and increase risky behavior.
Meanwhile, what the CDC calls “moderate” risk activities include one-way trick or treating, where individually wrapped goodie bags are lined up for families to grab and go while social distancing. Other moderate risk activities include attending a costume party held outdoors where protective masks are used with social distancing taking place, visiting pumpkin patches or having an outdoor movie night with local family friends — again with social distancing.
Minnesota Health Department’s infectious disease director Kris Ehresmann reacted to the guidelines in a recent COVID-19 briefing and talked about some safer options for families this Halloween. “Low risk options include carving pumpkins with family, decorating… this isn’t meant to be a buzzkill, it’s meant to keep you safe,” said Ehresmann.
For more specific information the guidelines and the risk categories, visit CDC.gov.
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