Keeping kids safe while trick or treating during Halloween is always a concern for parents. This year, it’s even harder with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although Halloween is not canceled, it will be different this time. Here are some general guidelines to follow.
For everyone:
■ If you are sick, don’t go trick or treating.
■ If you are sick and a homeowner, don’t participate either. Don’t hand out candy and make it clear your home is closed to trick-or-treaters.
■ Everyone—kids, parents, and homeowners handing out candy—should wear masks.
■ Children need to wear masks even if they have a costume. A mask can be worn under a costume. You may also find ways to integrate a mask into the costume. Check out this site for some creative Halloween mask ideas.
■ Children should sanitize their hands frequently throughout the night.
■ In general, observe six feet of social distancing.
■ Keep groups of trick-or-treaters small—at least under 15 people.
■ Try to limit trick or treating to immediate family and friends, or neighbors who live in close proximity.
For homeowners:
Trick or treating can be particularly tricky for homeowners. Here are some tips on how to hand out candy while maintaining social distancing and other COVID-19 health protocols:
■ Maintain six feet of social distancing by putting a table in front of your door where you can distribute candy to visitors.
■ Wash or sanitize your hands frequently.
■ Mark out six-foot lines on the sidewalk leading to your home to help trick-or-treaters maintain social distancing.
■ Also consider no-contact options, such as leaving individual candy bags for children to pick up outside.
Traditional trick-or-treating alternatives:
In addition, you may also want to consider these alternatives to traditional trick-or-treating:
Halloween scavenger hunts: Skip the candy part and go out with your children to check out the neighborhood decorations. Give your kids a list of Halloween related things to look for.
Reverse trick-or-treating: Instead of having the kids go out, stay at home and have friends, family, or neighbors come by to hand out candy.
Curbside trick-or-treating: Go out, but stay in the car and have neighbors hand out candy from the edge of their properties or driveways.
Trick-or-treating at home: If you don’t feel comfortable with your kids going out at all, you can always recreate the trick-or-treating experience at home with candy stations inside your house or set up throughout your yard.
Sources: The Times Union, The Rhode Island Department of Health, and the CDC.