How to Be Safe This Halloween

How to Be Safe This Halloween
By Jazmin Stearne

Halloween is my favorite holiday. Like many others, I look forward to it every year. I enjoy telling spooky stories, dressing up in costume, and going to parties with friends and family. However, this year Halloween (like many other holidays) will look different. That does not mean we have to miss out. You and your family can still have fun this year; all you need is a little creativity!

Follow the Rules

If you have been exposed to the Coronavirus, please stay home and avoid small gatherings. The symptoms of Covid-19 include (but are not limited to) fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, loss of taste or smell, congestion, runny nose, and nausea or vomiting. Continue to wash your hands diligently, for at least twenty seconds. You can also use hand sanitizer with at least sixty percent alcohol. Always remember to clean your hands before touching your face. You should also avoid sharing candy with other people. Before you celebrate, be sure your children understand these rules as well. If you need to sneeze or cough, please cover your nose or mouth with your elbow to prevent germs from spreading.

How to celebrate safely

Many people believe virtual Halloween parties are the way to go this year. You can invite your children’s friends and host a virtual gathering. You can still continue classic Halloween traditions at this party, such as costume contests, dance parties, and pumpkin carving. Instead of trick or treating, you and your family can still have fun from the comfort of your home. For instance, you can host a family game night (or virtual game night!) with the kids. Whenever your child wins the game, give them Halloween candy as a reward. Another good idea is to host a scavenger hunt (in your home) for candy.

You and your family can also turn your house into a “haunted house”. Decorate your home to your heart’s content. This will get everyone in the spirit of the holiday, and it can also be very fun (coming from experience). Instead of visiting a haunted house, you can make the haunted house come to you! When you and your family are finished decorating, exchange scary (or not so scary) ghost stories!

Practice social distancing

If you and your family decide to trick-or-treat this year, please be safe and practice social distancing. Protect yourself and others from getting sick. Wear a mask while outdoors and travel in small groups instead of large gatherings.

Depending on where you are located, it may be a good idea to do a search to see if there are any contactless haunted houses in your area. If you and your family are in the mood for a movie, visit your local drive-in.

Wear the right kind of mask

According to the CDC, masks that protect your nose and mouth will provide the best protection from COVID-19. If your child’s costume does not come with the right kind of mask, be sure they wear a proper mask. That is very important.

It is also important to stay six feet apart from people who do not live with you. It is not advised to put masks on children younger than two, those with breathing problems, or someone who cannot remove the mask themselves.

Remember too have fun!

We’ve been through a lot this year. Why not continue our holiday celebrations? I think we need it we need to enjoy ourselves and have fun. If you celebrate Halloween, please follow the guidelines listed above. I hope everyone will get the chance to have fun and enjoy themselves—we deserve it. Happy Halloween!