Halloween During COVID-19

It’s that time of year again! Halloween 2020 is on its way, and this year, it’s complete with ghosts and ghouls and, worst of all, a global pandemic with its grip still strong on the United States.

The CDC released a statement on COVID-19 precautions specific to trick-or-treating and numerous other Halloween festivities on Oct. 9, a gentle reminder that while holidays are still cause to celebrate, they shouldn’t come at the cost of public health. Among others, the precautions include social distancing while trick-or-treating, integrating masks into costumes, and having a ready supply of hand sanitizer at all times. It also listed out alternatives to trick-or-treating such as going to corn mazes and local orchards.

Currently, the US has sky-rocketed to 8 million cases nationwide, as well as over 200,000 deaths from COVID-19. Even just at Seven Lakes, almost 40 cases have been reported since face-to-face learning began.

As much as it’s been normalized today, the pandemic is still getting drastically worse, and, after Halloween festivities are carried out, it may spread even faster. As much as most people may want to celebrate the holiday, this year, it’s much more important to stay inside or continue social distancing.

That means no Halloween parties, no meeting up with large groups of friends, and no costumes without masks. Maybe dress up as a ninja instead.

However, that doesn’t mean that this year has to be dreary and completely devoid of celebrations. A great way to spend Halloween is to stay inside and watch horror movies, and Chrome extensions such as Netflix Party are perfect for a cozy night indoors watching Scream or The Conjuring online with a few friends. If you’re not a fan of horror movies, why not Halloweentown or The Addams Family? The possibilities are both endless and COVID-friendly.

This year, make sure your Halloween is both fun and safe. It’s normal to be tired of staying inside, but social distancing and proper sanitation are still crucial as the pandemic continues to worsen. It’s not just haunted houses that you should be afraid of.