Is Trick-or-Treating Going To Be Different This Year Because Of Covid-19? The Answer is YES.
Many people feel that the amount of positive COVID tests will increase due to activities on Halloween; activities such as trick-or-treating. I interviewed a Harborfields mom and asked her how she feels about Halloween this year.
The first question I asked was, do you think kids will still be trick-or-treating? She responds with, “Yes! Trick-or-treating is an outdoor event. As long as children all continue to wear their masks, not a costume mask, and maintain social distance they will be fine. They need to be kids and enjoy this fun holiday, while still following the procedures.” Some families are more strict about Covid-19 than others, and might not let their child even go out for Halloween. This leads me to my next question: how will kids react/feel when they can’t go trick-or-treating? She answered that she felt, “Sad I’m sure, but then they will have to find something else to do to make up for it. It’s been a long year, full of unknowns and disappointments, but the kids are handling the situation great and they will get through it.”
An event that goes on at Harborfields High School is “Safe Halloween.” This is an event where kids from the elementary schools and the middle school come and trick-or-treat out of the classrooms. This year, some changes had to be made because of Covid. Instead of Safe Halloween, there is going to be a “booed” event where the high school will make goodie bags with non-edible items for the younger schools. I was wondering if people in the Harborfields community were planning on giving out non-edible items as well. I asked, are homeowners putting out candy for the trick-or-treaters? She said, “Yes! They are leaving individually wrapped treats at the front door of their homes.” I also asked, will they put out something besides candy? She acknowledged this point by saying, “I really don’t know! Everyone loves candy!” I’m sure if everyone handles the candy properly and in a clean manner, then giving out candy will not be a problem.
Lastly I asked, how do you feel about your child trick-or-treating? She answered, “I feel comfortable with it since my kids are older. My oldest won’t go trick-or-treating because she’s too cool for that! But my youngest will definitely be trick-or-treating. They know to keep their masks on and to maintain social distance - and that parents will be watching!” Trick-or-treating may be difficult for younger kids because they have to remember to keep their masks on and keep a safe distance from others.
Trick-or-treating will definitely be different this year, but it doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun! Be safe and have a Happy Halloween!