Halloween is quickly approaching, and with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, altering your behavior can make all the difference when it comes to staying safe. There are several alternatives to trick-or-treating and in-person parties that you can participate in safely while still taking part in the festive holiday. If you have recently been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19, you should not participate in in-person activities or pass out candy to trick-or-treaters.  

What are low-risk activities I can participate in this Halloween?

There are several ways you can participate in Halloween safely this year, with minimal risk of COVID-19 exposure. Your family can carve pumpkins with festive designs and display them on your porch, steps or balcony. If you live alone, this can also be done as a socially distanced activity with your friends. Make sure you keep a close eye on young children when carving pumpkins. For added safety, have them trace their design so you can carve it for them. You can also host a scavenger hunt for any children living in your home, hiding small, festive trinkets or candy in creative areas with prizes for each participant. Another alternative is decorating the pumpkins with safe paints available at any craft or big-box store. You can decorate your home with festive cobwebs, streamers, banners and lights, which can be saved for next Halloween. If you are unable to see your friends this Halloween, you can still spend time with them by having a virtual gathering in costume. 

Moderate Risk Activities for Halloween 2020

If your neighborhood is allowing trick-or-treating this year, there are several ways you can participate but maintain lower risks. You can do one-way trick-or-treating, which involves leaving candy in pre-made goody bags a safe distance from your door, either at the end of your porch or the edge of your driveway. You can also set up a chute that keeps trick-or-treaters a safe distance away, sliding pieces of candy down into a bucket or plate to catch it. If you choose either of these methods, it is recommended to wear gloves and to wash your hands before and after handling candy. You can also host a socially-distanced outdoor movie night to show a movie that meets the holiday season. If your child is going to be trick-or-treating, make sure they wear gloves and a mask. Halloween masks that are part of costumes are not considered alternative to face masks or coverings over the nose and mouth. 

What activities should I avoid this Halloween?

Activities that are considered high-risk for the spread of COVID-19 this Halloween include traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating and large parties, especially without masks. These activities should be avoided this year due to heightened risk. Indoor haunted houses and trunk-or-treat events should also be avoided due to crowds and the inability to properly distance. 

Walk-In Flu Shots & COVID-19 Testing in Louisville, Boulder & Superior, CO

If you begin to experience symptoms of COVID-19 before or after Halloween, visit AFC Urgent Care Louisville for testing. Standard PCR diagnostic testing is available for walk-in patients and provides results within 2-4 days. Rapid testing is by appointment only and results will be available the day of your visit. It’s not too late to get your walk-in flu shot to protect against the influenza virus before the big day! Most major insurance plans are accepted. For questions about care, please call 720-961-9700.