Halloween was really scary last year, with the emphasis on “really.” There was nothing pretend-scary about it. And that meant no trick-or-treating.
But this year that particular festivity is back on. And the word on that is about as official as you can get in this time of uncertainty: Dr. Anthony Fauci says so.
“I think that, particularly if you’re vaccinated, you can get out there and enjoy it,” he told CNN. “This is a time that children love. It’s a very important part of the year for children.”
And if that’s not enough for you, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is pretty upbeat as well: “I wouldn’t necessarily go to a crowded Halloween party, but I think that we should be able to let our kids go trick-or-treating in small groups,” said Rochelle Walensky.
But what about kids under 12, who enjoy it the most? Well, if everybody over 12 that they encounter in their costumed rambles in vaccinated, the kids should be safe, says the experts — especially since this is mostly an outdoor activity.
And that’s a key point. As HealthyChildren.org stresses:
Try to stick with outdoor trick-or-treating in small groups. The virus is much less likely to spread outside than in poorly ventilated indoor spaces. Keeping a safe distance from others outside your household is another good way to reduce risk. Make sure your children know to avoid large groups of kids clustering at doorsteps or anywhere else the goodies are being handed out.
If you give out treats, consider sitting outside and lining up individually prepackaged goodies on a table for children to take. Non-edible treats are a good option, especially for children who suffer from food allergies….
Anything your kids do on this holiday — or anytime — is going to be safer outside than inside. As the same website advises, “If your children do attend an indoor trick-or-treat event or public festivities, be sure everyone wears face masks and observes safe physical distancing.”
Here in the Charlotte area, there are plenty of other activities planned this month. But the one we feel surest about at this point, going by the leading authorities in the land, is that with sensible precautions, trick-or-treating is prescribed for Oct. 31.
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