Is Trick-or-Treating Safe Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic? We Asked a Pediatrician For Advice

Tips

• Families should decide together what level of risk they are OK with this Halloween, such as whether they are comfortable with strangers knocking on their door.
• Avoid traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed directly to children door-to-door, as this is considered a high-risk activity for spreading germs.
• Refrain from participating in trunk-or-treats where candy is handed out from car trunks in parking lots.
• If handing out candy, set up a table further away with a bowl of candy and sanitizer, ensuring each piece is individually wrapped.
• Consider a 'reverse drive-by' Halloween where kids stand in their front yards with an adult present, and other adults drive by to toss candy onto the lawn.
• Kids should wear face masks while collecting candy.
• Wear gloves is not recommended; instead, wash hands and use hand sanitizer before taking the candy.
• Sanitizing Halloween candy is not necessary as transmission on surfaces is low, though it is optional if parents feel inclined.
• Parents should bring flashlights, glow sticks, or reflective material to ensure visibility if trick-or-treating after dark.
• Consider getting flu shots as Halloween is a good time to remind families about them.