Yes, trick-or-treating can be done safely this year, even during COVID. Here’s how.
After a 2020 Halloween spent in costume trick-or-treating between bedrooms, kitchens and living rooms, we’re all looking forward to grabbing king-sized candy bars from our neighbors this year.
But we’re still fighting COVID-19, so how can we make sure kids are trick-or-treating safely?
Dr. Emily Sickbert-Bennett, the director of UNC Medical Center Infection Prevention, tells The News & Observer that she will be trick-or-treating in a small group with her family this year.
We spoke with her to learn what to do — and what to avoid — this Halloween.
How do I keep my kids safe from COVID on Halloween?
▪ Vaccination is key: “Avoiding shared candy bowls is a less important infection prevention strategy than vaccination, which is most important for those eligible,” Sickbert-Bennett said.
▪ Masking is next most important for those eligible for vaccinations, Sickbert-Bennet said, and should be practiced, too. Thankfully, masks go well with lots of costumes, so all trick-or-treaters (and those accompanying them) should sport them as much as they can.
▪ Physical distancing from others is third most important — and very important if you are not masked.
What are the best and worst candies to give and receive during a pandemic Halloween?
▪ Do: Choose commercially prepared, individually wrapped candies, Sickbert-Bennett said. This is the safest way to enjoy Halloween treats in a pandemic.
▪ Don’t: Don’t buy a jumbo bag of M&M’s and Ziploc them yourself. And don’t give out homemade caramel apples to the trick-or-treaters on your block this year. Stick to the individually wrapped candy you can get from the store.
Should we be worried about the spread of germs through Halloween candy?
▪ Germs don’t survive well on surfaces: “Disinfecting the outside surfaces of candy is not necessary before eating, as most germs don’t survive very well on surfaces and surface transmission has not been shown to be a primary mode of spread for COVID,” Sickbert-Bennett said
“The candy should be individually packaged and the candy should be directly handled with clean hands.”
▪ Wash your hands before eating any of your candy: This is important to prevent spread of many types of infectious diseases, Sickbert-Bennett said. Everyone should avoid directly handling food with unwashed, unsanitized hands.
Other tips to keep kids safe on Halloween
The Durham County Sheriff’s Department released this list of general safety tips.
For motorists:
- Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
- At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
For Parents/Guardians:
- Make sure that an adult or an older responsible youth will be supervising the outing.
- Check the sex offender registry at NCSBI.gov when planning your child’s trick-or-treat route. You can view maps that pinpoint registered offenders’ addresses in your neighborhood and sign up to get email alerts when an offender moves nearby.
- Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route.
- Teach your children to stop only at houses or apartment buildings that are well-lit and never to enter a stranger’s home.
- Establish a return time.
- Tell your youngsters not to eat any treats until they return home.
- Review all appropriate trick-or-treat safety precautions, including pedestrian/traffic safety rules.
- All children need to know their home telephone number and how to call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.
- Pin a slip of paper with the child’s name, address, and telephone number inside a pocket in case the youngster gets separated from the group.
Other:
- If children are allowed out after dark, outfits should be made with light colored materials. Strips of retro-reflective tape should be used to make children visible.
- If masks are worn, they should have nose and mouth openings and large eye holes.
This story was originally published October 26, 2021 at 8:45 AM.
