Trick or Treat 2020 Style: What You Need to Know

The leaves are falling, pumpkins are ripe in the patch, and there’s a chill in the air. That must mean Halloween is right around the corner. Are you ready to trick or treat 2020 style?

This year brings special challenges for Ohio natives, as well as many others, who have been wondering if anyone will celebrate Halloween this year. After all, how can you stay safe and keep your kids safe while enjoying a holiday where you typically travel door to door?

The fact is that while some places are forging ahead with the festivities, not everyone is celebrating Halloween in the traditional way.

Where you live will determine the events available to you and your family. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have your own spooky celebration.

If you live in Ohio and plan to participate in any events around your area, there are some things you need to know.

Trick or Treat 2020 – What to Expect & What to Know

Guidelines and Risks

The CDC released guidelines to help people decide how to celebrate Halloween safely, no matter their stance in your area. They break down low, moderate, and high-risk activities. This information will help you know the precautions you should take while making your plans for your October fun. 

Decorating your house and carving pumpkins with your family is low on the list of risks. Along with these activities are movie nights and virtual events.

It makes sense that these options are low-risk considering that they don’t involve any close contact with people outside your home. And, the good news is that they still get you in the Halloween spirit.

Moderately risky events involve interacting with others. With this risk come guidelines for social distancing, sanitization, masks, and small groups in the outdoor air.

Even though they encourage masks and social distancing, it wouldn’t hurt to station screening tents in the area. Event planners can use them to screen participants for signs of illness. The tents could also be stocked with hand sanitizers and extra masks for those who need them.

Screening participants in group activities would add an extra layer of protection and should bring a greater comfort level to everyone attending the event.

Haunted Houses, Hayrides, and Trick or Treat 2020

According to the CDC, the higher risk activities are the more traditional celebrations most associated with the Halloween season. Haunted houses, hayrides, and regular trick or treating involve larger crowds and close contact, which don’t coincide with safety at this time.

And if your event involves screaming, it falls under the higher risk category, even if the event itself sits in a moderate category. To combat this specific risk, increase the distance between participants and have them wear masks if you plan to scare them.

Also, keep in mind that you might want to stay local. Attending gatherings in other communities may lead to a broader spread of illness. There is always the chance that someone who is currently asymptomatic will attend.

Enhanced Safety Ideas so You Can Trick or Treat 2020 Style

If you plan to take your kids out for a fun night of trick or treat this year, remember that their Halloween masks are probably not sufficient to keep them safe.

They should still follow CDC guidelines and wear additional masks to protect themselves, if necessary. And, of course, taking some hand sanitizer with you is also a good idea.

Some people may want to take precautions a step further and quarantine the candy collected for a couple of days before indulging.

Regardless of what your plans are, when you are organizing an event, be sure to keep in mind the recommendations set by the CDC and your local area.

If you are inviting others to celebrate with you, stocking hand sanitizers and investing in pop-up screening tents can bring a level of comfort and safety to your soiree.

Joining in the Halloween Fun

Whether you live in a town with active Halloween participation or not, that shouldn’t deter you from celebrating the season.

If you’re not comfortable joining an event, consider a low-risk alternative. However, if you want to take full advantage of events in your area, stay smart and stay safe.

Halloween celebrations are possible, even in times such as these. Sometimes all it takes is a little imagination and a willingness to do something apart from regular tradition.

So, if you want to trick or treat 2020 style, be sure to wear a protective mask under or with your Halloween costume, keep sanitizer handy, and stay local.