COVID-19 Halloween Safety Tips for Families

Social distancing may have put a damper on previous Halloween festivities but kids can safely get out their costumes this year. Magna Dias, MD, Chair of Pediatrics at Bridgeport Hospital and Regional Medical Director for Inpatient Pediatric Services at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital offered a few tips for families to have a safe and healthy Halloween.

Is it safe to go trick-or-treating?

Many kids were disappointed when trick-or-treating was cancelled in many communities due to COVID-19. Thankfully, many kids can safely trick-or-treat this year if families follow a few precautions.

“As an outdoor activity, trick-or-treating is one of the safest activities for families,” said Dr. Dias.

Should kids wear masks?

As we see cases of COVID-19 on the rise, it’s a good idea for unvaccinated kids to wear a mask indoors. We know that since the rates of transmission are lower outdoors, it’s safer to meet with family and friends outside. Just remember, a Halloween mask does not count as a COVID-19 safe face covering!

Should I sign my child up for their COVID-19 vaccination?

Yes. Yale New Haven Children's Hospital strongly recommends eligible children get vaccinated against COVID-19. Those who are eligible should also receive their booster dose. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect kids from this virus and Yale New Haven Children's Hospital strongly recommends vaccination.

Any other tips for a safe Halloween?

To have a safe Halloween, we need to remember the things that can help make Halloween safe even outside of the pandemic: use lights or reflective clothing for kids so kids can be seen by cars and cross the street at crosswalks when possible; also stay off devices while walking. Unvaccinated adults who are giving out candy directly (within 6 feet) to kids should wear a mask. Of course, have fun and be safe!