Each year, Alaska’s neighborhoods are a buzz with costumes and families trick-or-treating with their children, going door to door and receiving Halloween goodies. But this season, while families brace for another spike in COVID-19 cases, is Halloween still a good idea?
The CDC and State of Alaska recently published guidance on safer ways to celebrate Halloween this year, in an effort to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Below is a list of suggested low and moderate risk activities for Alaska’s families from both the CDC and State of Alaska to consider this Halloween:
Suggested At-Home Activities (Lower Risk)
- Have a costume party at home, with just your household, or host a virtual costume event.
- Carve pumpkins and roast the seeds, or bake other fun Halloween-themed goodies.
- Instead of trick-or-treating, hide treats in your house and have a scavenger hunt with your family
- Decorate your house together.
- Not taking trick-or-treaters? Turn your porch lights off to let families know you aren’t handing out treats. You also can make fun signs or arrange Halloween decorations to encourage people not to approach your doorstep.
Suggested Outdoor Activities (Moderate Risk)
- Host a small group, outdoors, open-air costume parade where people are distanced more than six feet apart and wearing CDC recommended masks.
- A costume Halloween mask is NOT a substitute for a COVID-19 mask or fabric face covering. Click here to learn more about CDC approved face coverings.
- Host an outdoor Halloween movie night with people spaced at least six feet apart.
- Lower your risk by following CDC’s recommendations on hosting gatherings or cook-outs.
Families who love Halloween and other holidays can and should celebrate during the pandemic. By taking different approaches, Alaskans are one step closer to staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.