CDC Guidelines for Pandemic Halloween

This year’s been different and we’re all living according to what’s come to be known as the “new normal”. It follows only naturally that this year’s Halloween too will be different than traditional Halloween — one that vastly reduces the risk of spreading infection, especially for our excited little ones.

The CDC has issued special Halloween Guidelines for trick or treating. But first, let’s get the big no-nos out of the way: 

• NO typical door-to-door trick or treating
• NOcrowded, indoor costume parties
• NO indoor haunted houses where people are screaming (and spreading infectious droplets)
• NO going on hayrides with people who’re not from your household
• NO fall festivals 

Here are the CDC’s Trick or Treating Guidelines (and let’s hope our kids won’t consider them to be a total buzzkill!)

Make trick-or-treating safer

• Avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters.
• Give out treats outdoors, if possible.
• Set up a station with individually bagged treats for kids to take.
• Wash hands before handling treats.
• Wear a mask.

Wear a mask

• Make your cloth mask part of your costume.

• Do NOT wear a costume mask over a cloth mask. It can make breathing more difficult.
• Masks should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing

Keep Your Distance

• Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you
• Indoors and outdoors, you are more likely to get or spread COVID-19 when you are in close contact with others for a long time.

Wash your hands

• Bring hand sanitizer with you and use it after touching objects or other people.
• Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Parents: supervise young children using hand sanitizer.
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home and before you eat any treats.