1: Create a socially distanced trick-or-treat experience

Many parents are planning on taking their children trick-or-treating this year to celebrate Halloween. However, the traditional approach to trick-or-treating, with crowds of children and their families winding their way through neighborhoods, is considered a high-risk activity this year according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

Dr. Stout and her husband Jeremiah

Even though the interactions at your neighbor’s door are brief, there is still a risk of spreading COVID-19. The more households that you visit, the more likely the chance of exposure. The risk also is increased when you go trick-or-treating with large groups for an extended period of time —especially in tight quarters where kids can’t keep their masks on.

To protect your kids and communities from COVID-19, consider the following modifications to this year’s trick-or-treat experience:

• Limit the size of your group. Instead of walking around with a big group of neighbors and friends, stick with family members and people you see regularly. Keep your group as small as possible.
• Use hand sanitizer frequently. There’s no need for your children to wear gloves, but giving your child a few drops of sanitizer to rub into their hands from time to time will help kill bacteria and viruses as they walk through the neighborhood. They should use this before and after going to each house to get candy. Once children get home, have them wash their hands.
• Pass out candy from a table in your driveway. Instead of having trick-or-treaters come to your door, put the candy or treats on a card table set up in your driveway. Let the kids handle their own candy rather than putting the candy in their buckets. Even safer: Create grab-and-go bags for the kids rather than putting the candy in a communal candy bowl.
• Put a bottle of hand sanitizer out in addition to the treats. This helps everyone stay safe throughout the night.



• Wear a mask—but don’t put a mask underneath a costume mask. All adults and children should wear a face covering of some type to prevent the spread of germs. However, kids who are wearing a paper or plastic mask as part of their costume shouldn’t wear a cloth mask underneath, as this could restrict their access to air. A better idea: Choose a costume that can incorporate a cloth mask.
• Consider a “reverse trick-or treat.” This is where adults drive by in decorated cars and toss candy to children as they stand on their front lawns. This type of experience requires lots of neighborhood collaboration, but it’s one of the safer forms of trick-or-treating this year
• Remember the basics. A safety-first approach also should involve flashlights, glow sticks, and reflective tape to increase visibility.

I’ve also seen examples of do-it-yourself candy chutes—and I think they look like a lot of fun. Be creative!

2: What to Do with All that Candy

The coronavirus doesn’t survive long on surfaces, so it’s not necessary to sanitize candy the before the kids can enjoy it. That news often comes as a relief to parents, especially after many families spent last spring wiping down groceries to protect themselves from the virus. (Turns out that wasn’t necessary, but that’s something we’ve come to know over time, as our understanding of the virus increases.)

One thing to keep in mind when you’re buying this year’s Halloween stash: Make sure treats are individually wrapped. That’s important whether you’re selecting candy for trick-or-treaters or having a small gathering for the holiday.

3: Virtual Celebrations Can Be Just as Fun

Halloween doesn’t have to include trick-or-treating to be fun for kids. As parents, you set the tone for the holiday. If you’d prefer to help your child celebrate from home, consider hosting a virtual costume contest. Sites like Facebook provides lots of opportunities to connect with close friends and family and let the kids show off their costumes. You could also create a group chat to share photos of the kids in their spooky attire.

4: Getting Together with Friends? Rethink the Potluck

If you’re hosting an event with a small group or attending one, look for ways to reduce the number of items that children and adults touch. For example, the CDC recommends that rather than serving a potluck dinner, each family should bring food for their own group. If you are serving food, limit the number of people who frequent the food area, such as in the kitchen or around the grill. Use grab-and-go options, if possible. If you’re serving food to guests, wash your hands frequently.