How to Safely Celebrate Halloween During a Pandemic
2020 has been a game-changer for how people in all parts of the world live. It changed the norm of schooling, going for groceries, and even for celebrations and holidays.
How we will celebrate this year is going to be very different from what we usually do and if you want to keep up, better start planning for the upcoming holidays soon.
And, do you know what holiday is just around the corner? Yes, it is Halloween. Halloween is meant to be scary, but 2020 made it scarier (and dangerous) because of the pandemic. Still, there are lots of ways for you and your family to enjoy Halloween.
Read on as we will give you useful tips to help your Halloween spooky safe yet fun this 2020.
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Halloween Ideas for These Times
Most conventional activities during these celebrations, such as trick-or-treating and parties pose a risk to spread various viruses, including the dreaded COVID-19.
The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) issued new guidelines on how you can safely celebrate Halloween with your loved ones.
These guidelines help to promote a safer Halloween celebration through alternative yet exciting ways to join the fun.
A Friendly Reminder from Bulletproof Zone:
If you had COVID-19 or had some kind of exposure to someone with the virus, please take a good rest at home and refrain from participating in in-person activities or giving out goodies to trick-or-treaters for now. You will have a chance to do such activities next year. Our priority now is to keep you and everyone safe.
Here are eight tips to make your Halloween memorable yet safe amidst the pandemic.
Avoid These Halloween Activities
While we talked about families possibly continuing to do trick-or-treating, we strongly recommend to avoid the following this Halloween:
- Conventional trick-or-treating: Going to the streets and knocking on your neighbors’ doors for treats is a no-no this 2020 because of the pandemic risk.
- Trunk-or-treat: This style is an off-shoot from the conventional way of trick-or-treating. Participants decorate their cars and will park it in a common community area, such as near a school or church, then give away treats to sweet-seekers. This approach is also discouraged as it may initiate a violation of social distancing to excited kids.
- Mass gatherings for costume parties: Mass gatherings are dissuaded during the pandemic. However, in case, a gathering would still proceed, check out our tips below on how to keep everybody, including yourself, safe.
- Haunted houses: Spooky structures and attractions, such as haunted houses, are popular during Halloween. As we are still in a pandemic status, it is better to avoid going to such places for now because you never know if the person who went in before you has the virus or not.
Safety is Always The Priority
We are still looking forward and optimistic about having fun during holidays, especially this Halloween. But, while we love the excitement, we are also all in for safety and security for people we hold dear. And we know you are, too.
So, here are some tips for you to consider if you need to go out during Halloween:
Observe conscious social distancing and avoid close physical interaction.
- CDC strongly advises on being six feet away from others, especially in a crowded place.
Wear your mask.
- Wearing a mask protects both you (the wearer) and people around you from getting infected with microbes, such as bacteria and viruses, particularly COVID-19.
- A costume mask, in this case for Halloween, cannot replace a cloth or disposable mask suitable to prevent infections. A costume mask cannot be considered to be used for protection unless it has two or more fabric layers and is worn correctly.
- Ensure not to place a costume mask over a protective one as it can be dangerous. Children, especially toddlers, might find it hard to breathe. As an alternative, consider Halloween-themed masks for children, while adults can try using a super fabric face mask.
Clean and disinfect.
- Keep your hands clean and dry.
- Use disinfectants, such as alcohol or alcohol-based sanitizers.
- Clean and disinfect your hands before and after prepping treats for give-aways.
- Also, make sure to disinfect the treat bags that you will receive.
Keep your little ones near you if you do trick-or-treat in your neighborhood.
- Keeping your kids at an arm’s reach will let you see what they are doing. Sometimes, children tend to forget to observe specific guidelines that they should do during a pandemic. Some children might remove their masks, touch susceptible things, and put things into their mouths without cleaning or disinfecting them first.
- Make sure to always check on them and keep their hands clean and masks on.
Be alert on your health safety if you are in a gathering.
- According to studies, gatherings increase the risk for community spread of COVID-19. Attendees, including your family and friends, should consider the rate of cases within the community before going.
- Check the location of the event. The CDC states that indoor events have a higher risk of virus spread than those done outdoor. It is because of air ventilation, where closed windows and doors with recycled air, as in air condition rooms, are riskier than those with open-air locations. Choose events that are in parks and fields than those in hotels and event halls.
- Know how long the gathering will take and how many people are involved there based on the activities that you will do. Is it going to be a simple goodies distribution? Is it going to be like a party? Do you have to eat and dine with other families in your community? Is anyone attending traveling from other places?
- Observe the behaviors of those present in the event. Are they following the proper guidelines in light of the pandemic? Are they adhering to reminders, such as handwashing and mask-wearing? Are they observing proper distancing?
- If you are not planning on wearing a costume for Halloween, make sure you leave your house feeling protected wearing protective casual clothing, such as tank tops and jeans. As the weather is getting a bit more on the cooler side, be sure to bring your trusty bulletproof jacket and vest. Also, let your children wear comfortable clothing and bring bags for their goodies.
Trick or Treat Safe This Halloween
The pandemic may have brought about new ways to do things, including how we celebrate holidays. But, wait. You do not have to completely cross out on special occasions just yet. Follow our tips above on how to safely celebrate Halloween with your loved ones. These tips will not only ensure your safety but also the fun and excitement of kids and kids-at-heart in this spookily frightening yet fun celebration.
Moreover, if you want to know more about being safe and secure wherever you are, you can also check on what Bulletproof Zone can offer. We have products ranging from high-quality bulletproof vests, plates, carriers, and other combat-quality protection to protective everyday clothing, such as jackets, coats, shoes, and bags. As a way to add more protection to our clients this pandemic, you may want to check our super fabric face mask.
From Bulletproof Zone to you and your family, Happy Halloween!