Halloween is a lot less scary without the fright of a raging pandemic. Most parents are comfortable with getting back to normal routines with Halloween gatherings and trick-or-treat adventures. But, parents are still naturally concerned with keeping their kids safe and healthy with the new normal of the seasonal flu, RSV and ongoing covid risks. So, what can parents and children do to keep themselves and others safe and healthy while also enjoying Halloween festivities? Here are some commonsense tips for you to consider so everyone can have fun while staying safe and healthy.

1. If you or your child is sick, stay home and trick-or treat-there! Decorate the inside of your home with Halloween décor. You can make one room as a haunted area while another is a sweet treat Hogwarts table. Allow your children to go from room to room knocking and getting tricked or receiving a treat! Take pictures for your memory book or Facebook page.

2. If you want to avoid walking around on crowded streets with others then spend Halloween with family and close friends! You can have a backyard themed party with a group of family and friends who you know aren’t currently experiencing any illnesses. This way your children can have of a fun holiday and celebrate with close friends and loved ones.

3. If you are concerned about taking your children to strangers' homes for Halloween, then don't trick-or-treat with strangers. Go to homes where you know everyone is healthy and that take illnesses seriously and trick-or-treat with them.

4. If you are concerned about taking your children to elder persons’ homes then send a photo or video to them. It is very important to keep our most vulnerable relations safe during the holiday. You might feel it is a good idea not to take your children to elder loved ones’ homes at this time, but you should remember them during the holiday season. Include them by using your electronic devises and sending a Halloween greeting, photo or video.

5. If you are totally fine with allowing your children to trick-or-treat then make sure you supervise them and prepare your child for the possibility of less treats. Talk to your children ahead of time to let them know other people still may not feel comfortable opening their doors to strangers for Halloween. Check on flu, RSV and covid spread in your community before going out to be aware if there is a higher risk of infection and adjust as you see fit. Also, supervision during Halloween is important. You want to know where your children have been and who they've interacted with in case they should contract a virus. At homes where people are giving out treats, collect the individually wrapped candy in one bag to be inspected later.​

One good thing we learned from the pandemic is to take extra steps during Halloween to make sure it as safe and healthy for our children and others as possible. Commonsense steps like those described above help lessen the risk of getting and/or spreading illnesses and make Halloween less scary for parents and kids. Be considerate to others and respectful of their decisions to keep their kids safe and healthy. It's the kind thing to do. And remember, stay home if you or your child aren't feeling well. Let's all do our part to have a fun Halloween while also keeping our families and communities safe and healthy!​