What Are the Ground Rules for a Safe Halloween in 2021?

What Are the Ground Rules for a Safe Halloween in 2021: Dr. Anthony Fauci spoke the words kids around the country have been waiting to hear about Halloween on CNN's State of the Union on October 10th. "Get out there and enjoy it!" says the narrator.


It's also worth noting that he added, "especially if you're vaccinated."


With Halloween only a week away, it's safe to assume that children under the age of 12 (i.e., the vast majority of Halloween trick-or-treaters) will not be vaccinated in time. So, how can parents let their children enjoy Halloween while yet keeping everyone safe?

                       

Experts Offer Their Opinions on Trick-or-Treating

Robert Frenck, MD, is the director of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center's Vaccine Research Center. "The chance of getting sick or transferring the virus while outdoors is substantially lower for vaccinated children," he stated. That isn't to say that the risks are completely gone.


"I'd be less concerned about them going out together for Halloween if they're all vaccinated," he continued, "but they should still keep a bit of space, just like they do at school."


Whether or not you've been vaccinated, Gary Kirkilas, DO, a doctor at Phoenix Children's Hospital, advised that staying outside and keeping gatherings small will be crucial to remaining safe.

Check Out: How to get Squid Game Costume for a unique Halloween Look

"The virus is less likely to spread outside than it is in poorly ventilated inside environments," he noted, adding that even outside, big groups should be avoided.


The good news is that both medical professionals agreed that giving away sweets is safe.


"Rather than letting everyone who comes to your house stick their hand into your basket of goods," Frenck advised, "you could toss the candy into the bags of youngsters." This will reduce the number of points of contact. As a result, he advised parents to talk to their children about not grabbing for candy in bags or baskets.


He explained, "The kids should ask the householder to chuck it into their bag. Concerned parents should also warn their children not to open or eat any candy until they get home."


This way, everyone can make sure their hands are clean before eating the delicacies they've gathered. Pre-packaged or non-edible treats will, of course, be the safest bet this year.

What Parents Can Do To Ensure Their Children's Safety

Arunima Agarwal, MD, a pediatrician in New York, says parents may help keep their children safe this holiday season by doing the following:

• Outdoor activities should be avoided.
• Adults in charge of the youngsters should be immunized and wearing masks.
• A cotton mask should be worn by all children (or appropriate mask; costume related masks are not recommended)
• Over the cloth/surgical mask, do not use a costume mask.
• Have a small group of people go trick or treating together, such as the family with whom you shared your quarantine 'bubble.'
• Carry hand sanitizer with you and use it frequently.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has put together their own list of Halloween safety suggestions, including eating healthily, staying active, and getting plenty of sleep—because a robust immune system is the best defense unvaccinated children have.
 

Kirkilas was extremely clear when it came to the most crucial thing parents can do to keep everyone safe. "The best approach to ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween is to ensure that everyone in your family has the Covid-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible."
Vaccinating yourself not only protects you, but it also protects children who are too young or sick to be vaccinated."

Is It Too Early to Throw a Halloween Party?

If your family, friends, and neighbors are missing the excitement of annual Halloween parties, don't worry—this year might be the year to revive the pumpkin carving contest.

Ensure you Celebrate Wisely

While every child is excited to go out and enjoy the Halloween celebrations this year, there is one group of children who should definitely stay at home.


"Children should remain home if they are sick, like they should every year," Kirkilas said.
It's a shame, but parents must keep in mind that sending unwell children out into the world may cause others to become critically ill or perhaps die.


That is not worth any amount of sweets.


"Practice good handwashing once they return home from trick or treating," Kirkilas advised, "and parents should inspect their child's sweets to make sure there are no rips in the wrapper."


Thankfully, there's no need to wash the candy packaging because the virus, according to Frenck, doesn't survive long on surfaces.