Parental Arts
How To Have A Safe Halloween
In light of recent CDC guidelines identifying traditional trick-or-treating as a higher risk activity, many parents are unsure of how to proceed with Halloween plans this year. Here, three doctors who are also mothers share how they’ll be celebrating and weigh in on the most pressing questions parents have about how to ensure a safe and happy Halloween for all.
Is it safe to take my child trick-or-treating?
While the CDC has recommended that parents avoid trick-or-treating in the traditional, door-to-door sense, as with every fraught decision in this pandemic, it’s important to consider your specific situation and use good judgment. For parents in the suburbs, it might be easier to keep children at a distance and limit interactions. Crowded city streets make it harder.
Dr. Erin Dalton who is a pediatrician and mother of two in Brooklyn, New York, said her children will not be partaking this year. “Trick-or-treating (especially here in Brooklyn) involves large numbers of children who cannot reliably socially distance. I think families will need to be creative in thinking of other fun ways to make the day special. My daughter's school is hosting a virtual Halloween parade for the kids to show off their costumes. I've had several families say they will be doing a scavenger candy hunt in their home with members of their household.”
Dr. Kelly Fradin , a mother of three, pediatrician, founder of Advice I Give My Friends and author of Parenting in a Pandemic, is in the same boat. “My kids normally trick or treat apartment to apartment in our building, and we won’t be doing that - the logistics do not make sense with elevators and elderly residents of my building, and honestly I don’t think my children will miss it,” says Dr. Fradin. But that doesn’t mean Halloween is canceled. “I would love to plan an outdoor event with some of my children’s friends from their classes to maintain the same pod. As long as they can dress up and eat candy, they will be happy.”
Dr. Kelly Rodney Arnold who is the Medical Director of Clínica Médicos in Chattanooga, Tennessee will be allowing her children to trick-or-treat, but with more governance than prior years. “It will not be too far from our usual routine as we stay outdoors in a small pack, visiting doorsteps instead of large, indoor gatherings to celebrate,” says Dr. Rodney Arnold. “Measures will include recommendations to limit viral transmission: appropriate mask wearing, spatial distance and good hand hygiene.”
For more guidance, the CDC offers some ground rules and ranks activities by risk level. For details on transmission rates in your community, you can also check out this Covid-19 Risk Level Map compiled by the Harvard Global Health Institute.
What are the most important factors to consider when making a Halloween plan?
As with every decision parents have made throughout this pandemic, it’s important to consider not only how your decisions will affect your own family, but how they could affect those around you. The greatest risk lies in unmasked, prolonged exposure to anyone outside of your own home.
“There is a lot of emotion and fear inside of this pandemic, along with Sars Cov-2 presence that deserves sensitivity in planning how to celebrate,” says Dr. Rodney Arnold. “Consult with others ahead of time. Make sure your crew is comfortable with the plan understanding this will be a unique Halloween.”
Dr. Fradin agrees that consideration is key. “Think of the risk to your family and your pod, including anyone you might you see in the two weeks following Halloween. We should also consider the local coronavirus numbers the week or two before and keep plans tentative as we see how our communities are doing.”
Advance planning and communication can go a long way, not only in staying safe, but in managing your children’s expectations.
“If there is a possibility that you will cut something short or make your children stop if the event becomes too crowded or too many people aren’t masked,” says Dr. Fradin, “discuss that in advance with your children so they can be prepared and consider a fun backup plan.”
Should the grandparents sit this one out?
While many grandparents won’t or can’t, the recommendation here is that anyone who is vulnerable based on age or underlying conditions should stay home. Even adults who do not fit these criteria are at a higher risk than children and “only parents necessary to chaperone should join,” says Dr. Fradin.
Where it is also easy to say “no,” says Dr. Rodney Arnold, is a person with an active case of Covid-19 or someone with any symptoms of any infectious disease.
Will a Halloween mask suffice?
While it may be tempting to get creative with the masks this year, it’s important to remember the CDC guidelines and that Halloween costumes do not fit the bill. “You can decorate a mask or use a themed mask,” says Dr. Fradin, “but ensure it covers the nose, mouth and chin with minimal gaping to be effective.”
Dr. Dalton agrees. “A good mask for a child has two layers, is washable, breathable, and reliably covers their nose and mouth. Costume masks won't suffice and can't be worn over cloth masks.”
How worried should I be about treats?
While the evidence on surface contagion is not of particular concern with this virus, there are some things to consider when it comes to candy. “Consider lining up individually pre-packed treat bags, creating a candy chute or creatively placing candy in the yard for families to take, “says Dr. Rodney Arnold. “Make something fun to make up for the lessened interaction some really excited trick-or-treaters may have this year.”
When all is said and done, use good judgment and try not to fret too much. As Dr. Fradin points out, “Have confidence in your decisions. You know what’s best for your family. Just because others may make different choices it doesn’t mean your decision is wrong. We each make decisions with our own specific situations in mind.”