Preston Parker, CFNN Reporter

Halloween is one of the best holidays; there’s candy, fairs, haunted houses, hayrides, pumpkin patches and many other seasonal activities. Most of us are probably wondering if we are even going to have Halloween with COVID-19. I have seen people going to haunted houses, but they required to wear masks and social distance. The real question is, How will Halloween be celebrated during a pandemic?

The idea of Halloween being canceled is very unlikely, but it’s going to look very different than usual, especially depending on where you live. In a busy city, it’s probably not smart to trick or treat.

If you want to make sure you are doing your part for Halloween safety, make sure to check with the Cumberland County Health Department. “I can’t think of many things that haven’t changed this year,” says Kevin Kathrotia, M.D., COO of Millennium Neonatology. He says he will let his kids go trick or treating, but they are going to have to follow all the rules. 

“All of the guidelines suggested for day-to-day prevention of the spread of coronavirus are still in effect: social distancing, wear a mask, and proper hand-washing hygiene,” says Anne Rimoin, Ph.D., Professor of Epidemiology at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. Most experts agree that parents the guidelines of our local health department so kids can have a safe and fun time. 

One spotlight of Halloween are haunted houses, and there are many still happening this year. They have to follow the CDC guidelines such as wearing masks, frequently washing hands, and social distancing, as well as operating at one-third of the normal capacity.

“We thought at the very beginning that it didn’t look likely until two months ago when the governor set out with his new mandate to wear masks,” Phil Wolter says.

Thankfully, Halloween is not canceled yet! So far, it’s looking good for a special spooky day, with it occurring on a Saturday along with a full moon. Make sure you follow guidelines, and stay safe this season!

Interviews and Information obtained from:

https://www.parents.com/holiday/halloween/will-there-be-trick-or-treating-in-2020-experts-weigh-in/