This year’s Halloween season is far different than any other we have experienced before. We are encountering unprecedented challenges we have never faced before, and that is, of course, the mean old COVID-19 virus.

The threat of contracting this highly contagious and dangerous virus has changed the way we have conducted our lives, and the way we celebrate Halloween will have to change with it. We have gathered some safety tips from various sources, including the Centers for Disease Control, to help provide some guidance to you.

The Centers for Disease Control considers traditional trick-or-treating, large indoor costume parties, and indoor haunted houses risky. Just because the CDC recommends you not do those things doesn’t mean you have to cancel the holiday altogether.

If you do plan to welcome trick-or-treaters to your home, place the candy outside on a table for a contactless handoff. If you’re taking your kids trick or treating, take them only to the homes of the people you know. Make sure you’re using hand sanitizer while out and washing hands with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds when possible.

Look through all candy to make sure it’s fully sealed before letting your kids dig in. You may disinfect the outside packaging if it makes you feel comfortable, but make sure it’s food safe and wash your hands between opening the packaging and eating the candy.
When it comes to the costumes, you need to make sure they’re safe too.

Do not use a costume mask (such as for Halloween) as a substitute for a cloth mask unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers your mouth and nose and doesn’t leave gaps around your face.

Do not wear a costume mask over a cloth mask because it can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.

If you plan to be outside when it’s dark, make sure kids are visible by giving them glowsticks, flashlights, or reflective tape to put on their treat bags or onto their clothing.

Avoid baggy clothing and flowing cloaks. These can become tripping hazards or catch fire near an open flame.

Again, don’t use a decorative costume mask as a replacement for a protective face covering. Use animal print masks for an animal-themed costume, maybe camo or plain white or a solid color. You can decorate the mask to match the costume.
There are lower risk Halloween-related things you can do to still have fun this Halloween season.

Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them.

Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends.

Decorating your house, apartment, or living space.

Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house, admiring Halloween decorations at a distance.

Having a virtual Halloween costume contest.

Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with.

Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house.

Despite some of the concerns about trick or treating, most municipalities in the areas will still be allowing it. Almost all have designated them as Saturday, October 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. Montgomery will have a Halloween parade at 6 p.m. with Trick or Treating from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Muncy’s hours will be 6 to 8:30 p.m. In addition, in Muncy, they will have a “Trunk or Treat event on the parking lot of Muncy Borough Building. Social distancing will be observed.

We hope this quick guide of tips and information can provide some useful guidance for dealing with this COVID Halloween.