The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said children can trick-or-treat this year as long as they are outdoors, physically distanced and in small groups. The American Academy of Pediatrics has also put out Halloween safety guidance for families.
For families fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the risk of being exposed is minimal. However, it’s still important to take precautions, especially to protect those younger than 12, who are not yet eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Here are some safety precautions to keep in mind when celebrating Halloween:
Try to stick with outdoor trick-or-treating or outdoor celebrations. Best to go in small groups, with members of your own family.
Avoid direct contact with other trick-or-treaters or people giving out candy. Don’t cluster near people’s front doors. Try and keep a distance of six feet from others.
Make sure your child wears a COVID face mask that is not part of his/her costume. A costume mask should not replace a cloth mask. Wearing a costume mask over a cloth mask can also make it more difficult to breathe and is not recommended.
If your children are attending an indoor event or party make sure they also wear a mask and remain physically distanced from others. Universal masking continues to be important since those under 12 are not yet vaccinated.
When children do get home from trick-or-treating make sure they wash their hands. Also, carry hand sanitizer with you while trick-or-treating and use it frequently.
There are many other alternatives to trick-or-treating for those families who are still not comfortable with the idea of canvassing neighborhoods. A family pumpkin-carving contest, a costumed movie night, or making a Halloween scavenger hunt in your own backyard can be just as fun.
If you would like to talk to a Kaiser Permanente pediatrician about ways to stay safe this Halloween, please let me know. I have a Spanish-speaking doctor available.
