SSM Health Provides Advice On Celebrating Halloween During A Global Pandemic

From the SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton:

October 7, 2020

Halloween is typically a time for gathering with friends, celebrating at parties and, of course, trick- or-treating. But this year, things will look a little different. Much like everything else, we will need to adjust how we celebrate Halloween to keep ourselves, and our loved ones, safe from COVID-19.

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released guidelines for Halloween safety. It suggested to avoid attending Halloween parties, visiting haunted houses and traditional trick-or-treating this year. However, SSM Health physicians believe there are ways to trick-or-treat safely – it just requires a few adjustments.

Dr. Alexander Garza, Chief Community Health Officer with SSM Health, says not all celebrations are off the table. While traditional, indoor Halloween parties should be avoided this year, kids can still head out to collect candy.

“Neighborhoods need to come together to coordinate a safe trick-or-treating event for children,” Garza says. “There are many creative ways to do this; for example, I’ve heard about people putting tables at the end of their driveway filled with candy for kids to take. As long as the homeowners are sitting at least six feet back from the table, and both the kids and adults are wearing masks, there is no reason kids can’t trick or treat.”

The CDC also recommends the use of individually wrapped goodie bags with treats inside instead of a communal candy bowl for children to “grab and go” while continuing to social distance.

Dr. Garza also suggests that families trick- or-treat individually this year and avoid walking around with large groups of neighbors or friends. Physicians also advise against traditional hayrides and bonfires, as they typically attract large crowds.

No matter what you are doing, the public is always encouraged to wear a mask, avoid large crowds and stay at least six feet away from others. You should also always practice good hand hygiene – washing your hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer when that’s not available.

“As long as families follow these simple guidelines, we can have a safe event for everyone,” Garza says.

This press release was produced by the SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton. The views expressed are the author's own.