Halloween 2021: This is what experts recommend to stay safe

Halloween is a big deal. Pandemic Halloween is an even bigger thing, adding a multitude of elements that we should consider in order to have a good time and stay safe. While we have last year’s Halloween experience for reference, things are a little different this year.

Experts recommend the following for this year’s celebrations and for your safety and that of your family:

Trick or treat is all the rage

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“I think that, especially if you are vaccinated, you can go out and enjoy it,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci told CNN State Of The Union. It is very simple with children: if they are over 5 years old and vaccinated, they are well protected and should go trick or treating if they want. If they’re under 5 and can’t be vaccinated, it’s still pretty safe if you do it with a limited group and do trick or treating outdoors. Many families will set up outdoor candy stations to limit contact between others, and this is clearly the safest way to go.

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“I would encourage parents not to go into other people’s homes and instead look for activities in an adjacent park or other primarily outdoor location,” said Dr. Leana Wen to CNN.

Parties are a more complicated subject

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“I wouldn’t necessarily go to a crowded Halloween party, but I think we should be able to trick or treat our kids in small groups,” said Rochelle Wolesnky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CBS ‘ Face of the nation.

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Dr. Speaking to the Today Show, Mona Amin said indoor parties are a reasonable option, depending on your area’s positivity rates. If they are below 5%, an indoor party is relatively safe. When it comes to other types of gatherings and living in a place with more COVID-19 cases than the 5% she mentioned, it is best to stick with family and friends who are vaccinated. Children who have not yet been vaccinated can also wear face masks as part of their costumes.

Prepare for haunted houses and other indoor locations

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All of these popular Halloween activities come with some risks that vary depending on the community’s COVID-19 rates, the size of the congregation, and whether or not they happen indoors or outdoors. The best combination here to stay safe is knowing the transmission rate for your area and wearing a mask indoors when you are surrounded by strangers. It all depends on you and the level of risk you are comfortable with.