Health experts: Stay safe, be creative and dont cancel trick or treat – Massillon Independent

A recent Harris Poll indicated 80% of the general public could not imagine Halloween without Trick or Treat.

The Halloween season is a special time for Sara Outzen.

The Canton mother of a 3-year-old daughter would hate to see any Halloween activity, especially trick or treat, get canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She believes the holiday events are controllable.

"People can choose whether or not they want to participate," Outzen said.

Shes not alone. About 80% of people surveyed in late June said a Halloween without trick or treat would be unimaginable and they also said trick or treat is irreplaceable, according to The Harris Poll.

Heres the good news:

Medical experts and community leaders dont want trick or treat canceled, either. They said most Halloween activities can be adjusted to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines.

"I would hate for kids to miss out on those activities. They are essential parts of childhood," said Dr. Gina Robinson, a pediatrics specialist for the Cleveland Clinic.

Gov. Mike DeWine said Thursday that local officials, individuals and parents would make the final decision on participating in Halloween activities. A day later, state health officials issued some guidance for the holiday season.

The recommendations included parents limiting the number of houses children visit and avoiding homemade treats. They also suggested celebrating the holiday with drive-thru or drive-in events with children in costume and face coverings staying in cars to collect treats from individuals spaced 6 feet apart.

Do it safely

North Canton was one of the first communities to announce trick-or-treat times in Ohio. Mayor Stephan Wilder briefly considered a Halloween without the candy tradition but only briefly.

"With everything that has been closed, trick or treat gives people an opportunity to take the kids out and do a family activity in a safe manner," Wilder said.

Robinson suggested trick-or-treaters and parents use facial masks, maintain 6-feet distances, stay in small groups (less than 10) and be flexible for changes.

"This is not normal times," she said. "Try to form a line up to the door. I think kids are pretty used to those things, so I dont think it will be a hard ask."

People passing out candy could pre-package the goodies and set them up in a "take-and-go" style, "so kids are not putting their hands into a big bowl," Robinson suggested. They should also wear masks.

"It is harder to spread COVID outside but it is not impossible," she said.

State health officials recommended candy wrappers be sanitized after families arrive home and that children eat only factory-wrapped candy. Avoid homemade treats, they said.

Do it creatively

The National Confectioners Association representing the candy and chocolate companies are encouraging people to be creative with the Halloween season during the pandemic.

A national survey in late July found 80% of people said they could celebrate the holiday in a creative and safe manner amid the outbreak, so activities would not be canceled. The poll was conducted by Morning Consult.

"There are plenty of ways to celebrate," said Lauren OToole Boland, spokeswoman for the National Confectioners Association.

The groups suggestions include hosting Zoom costume parties, scary movie night at home and trick or treat inside the house if families do not want to walk the neighborhoods.

Dr. Stephen Ostroff, a former deputy commissioner for the National Center for Infectious Diseases, has outlined some other ideas for families and communities.

His considerations, in conjunction with the National Confectioners Association, included:

Get creative with face coverings and integrate them into your childs Halloween costume.

Trick or treat at familiar households and alert them ahead of time so adequate distance is practiced. Children can show off their costumes to neighbors and treats can be ready so there is no direct contact.

Bring hand sanitizer and clean childrens hands frequently.

"I think it is so important people have access to all this information and consider fun ideas vetted by experienced health experts," OToole Boland said.

Getting creative

Andrew Beattie and his family created a six-foot long "candy chute" to pass out treats safely amid COVID-19 guidelines. Their chute recently went viral after photos were posted on Facebook.

"It seemed like a solution to a number of problems," he said.

The Cincinnati father said they have wanted to create a different trick-or-treat system for years to help families with disabled children. Then COVID-19 arrived.

Beattie, who has an auto immune disorder, and his 6-year-old daughter, crafted a six-foot long, four-inch wide cardboard tube into a candy chute. It was decorated and already put up outside on an incline.

At the bottom of the chute, a sign has been posted that instructs trick-or-treaters where to put a bucket or bag to catch the candy. Beattie plans to use surgical gloves to handle the goodies. His idea has been cited by state officials as a creative way to distribute treats.

Beattie said if people get smart and creative with the Halloween season, it could help community spirit during the pandemic and "boost our self-esteem."

It definitely would make Outzen happy if the pandemic didnt ruin trick or treat. She has accepted other cancellations, but "God help me, dont touch Halloween."

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Health experts: Stay safe, be creative and dont cancel trick or treat - Massillon Independent

Reviewed and Recommended by Erik Baquero