A second wave of the coronavirus pandemic has begun to spread, resulting in the restriction or canceling of most Halloween plans this year.
Two counties in Texas – Hidalgo and El Paso – have banned trick-or-treating this year, and others are heavily discouraging it. In addition, Dallas County has prohibited any gatherings over 10 people due to the pandemic.
Counties across the country and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention have been promoting safer alternatives to celebrate this year.
“There are several safer, alternative ways to participate in Halloween,” the CDC said. “These safer alternatives include having a virtual Halloween costume contest or carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them.”
Because trick-or-treating involves close contact with other people, the CDC is discouraging it for this year to avoid putting children and their families at risk of catching the virus.
“You should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters,” the CDC continued.
Like Texas, other states are also promoting safer alternatives this Halloween. California released recommendations on how to celebrate Halloween this year, including scavenger hunts and pumpkin carvings in the safety of your home. Annual events such as Knott’s Scary Farm, Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, and Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash have already been cancelled.
“To protect yourself and your community, you should not go trick-or-treating or mix with others outside allowed private gatherings this Halloween season,” the California Department of Public Health said.
Dr. Henry Reinhart, a general surgeon, recommends staying at home this Halloween and social distancing from others as well.
“Many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses, you should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters. Wear a mask and stay home! A second wave of the coronavirus pandemic is spreading, and you do not want to put yourself or others at risk,” he said.
However, many teens are ignoring these warnings and regulations since they have been planning for weeks now, and have been waiting for months to party with their friends.
“This Halloween I am going to a close friend’s house for a party, we will get food and swim there,” freshman Kiley Hansen said. “Then we plan on going to a different house to meet with a bunch of people.”
This plan breaks several of the guidelines that have been put into place by North Texas Health Officials.
Meeting up with people is discouraged and prohibited by Dallas County. Spending more than 15 minutes within six feet of another person increases a person’s risk of catching and spreading the virus— especially if that person is not being cautious.
Nevertheless, some teenagers have decided to follow these rules and protect themselves and others around them.
“I think people should try to stay home, especially when it comes to parties, I think it’s important to do what you can to still pertain to the guidelines” senior Katie Arnold said.
“Because of football I cannot be in huge gatherings, so I will probably just hang out with some close friends and play poker,” senior Chase Gorman said.
These plans are much safer and even recommended. Not only is he avoiding huge gatherings, but he is also hanging out with only close friends and staying indoors.
Staying inside, socially distancing and keeping groups under 10 people is recommended this Halloween.