Halloween is one of the most awaited and celebrated holidays of the year, especially by kids. But as we all face a serious health threat in the form of COVID-19, does it mean total cancellation of this year’s trick-or-treating event? The good news is our kids can still enjoy the usual halloween festivity this year, but activities might need to be modified to ensure optimum safety for everyone.

 

We encourage parents who have kids who want to go Trick-or-Treating to consider the following safety precautions:

• No indoor or outdoor gatherings.

Being in crowds pose a higher risk of virus transmission compared to more mellow activities like pumpkin carving with members of the same household or virtual costume contests. So while enjoying the event, it is important to maintain a briefer contact time with people who are not part of your household.

• Go in small groups and maintain physical distancing.

Although our kids find trick-or-treating most enjoyable with their friends, we recommend parents to accompany their children while maintaining a safe physical distance with other people who are participating in the said activity. 

• Wear a costume with a mask.

Costume picking is the best part of Halloween, but this year, consider picking something with a mask that can protect your kid from possible transmission. Or if your kid has already chosen a costume ahead of time that doesn’t include a mask and has made up his/her mind about it, make sure that he wears a face mask when you are out.

• Sanitize often and disinfect once you go home.

Don’t forget to bring your sanitizer. While you do not need to sanitize each candy wrapper, make sure that your kid’s hands are clean before eating any sweets. And once you go home, it is important that anyone in your household who went out to participate in Halloween events follow proper disinfection to thoroughly clean yourselves of possible virus contact.

 

Kids have missed so much this year, they shouldn’t have to miss Halloween, too. We encourage you to get out there with your children, but do so safely. Review the symptoms of COVID-19 and, in the days following the trick-or-treating fun, if you notice any problems, give us a call. We have virtual appointments available, so you don’t even need to leave the house. If you do need to come into the office, we have protocols and cleaning procedures in place to make your visit as safe, as possible. We are here to help.