Experts Share Ways to Celebrate Halloween Safely
Experts Share Ways to Celebrate Halloween Safely Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. × Search search POPULAR SEARCHES SUGGESTED LINKS Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Leaving AARP.org Website You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.
Nothing is zero-risk, Cherian says, but in the past year and a half scientists have learned that surface transmission of the coronavirus is not as much of a concern as experts initially suspected. Airborne spread, particularly by the , is much more significant. “The issue has always been , and continues to be , ,” Cherian says. “Continue to wear your mask while out trick -or -treating, but you don’t need to worry about the virus being on the candy and spreading afterwards.” It’s important for adults to wear masks to protect themselves and those around them — particularly children, Cherian says. “The data has shown with the delta variant even if you are vaccinated and you have a breakthrough infection (regardless if you are symptomatic or not), you essentially carry the same viral load in your nasopharynx as those individuals who are unvaccinated, and this can be unknowingly spread to others without proper caution,” Cherian says. . Ganter and her boyfriend tried to make the best of it. “We put chairs outside, and the kids would come up and we kind of tossed the candy into their basket,” she says. Ganter was also impressed by neighbors who constructed elaborate chutes as a socially distant way to give out candy. But it wasn’t the same. This year she is vaccinated and hoping to resume her tradition of dressing up and going out. She’s considering a nurse costume with a witty sign to poke fun at COVID. Entertainment $3 off popcorn and soft drink combos See more Entertainment offers > “All of us have missed out on a year of our life,” she says “I am almost 60 and it’s like I feel like I’m running out of time to do things. I want to get back out and do things.” But Ganter also worries about unknowingly spreading the virus to others. AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe many seniors felt during this time can’t be undone. “This pandemic has definitely changed us in more ways than one,” Hing says. As a professional tarot reader, Patti Woods says Halloween is her favorite holiday. Like others, the 51-year-old Trumbull, Connecticut , resident tried to make the most of last year but even her usual outdoor bonfire, which was easy to adapt to practice social distancing, felt off. Many guests seemed hesitant, she says. She hopes this year will be better. Woods is planning to read tarot cards in the morning and have the bonfire in the afternoon. “I think people will be a little more comfortable this year, so I’m anticipating a few more friends to sit around the bonfire,” she says. Across the country in San Diego, California, the Odoms — Jeri, 68, and Robert, 60 — have scaled down the Halloween bash they normally host, transforming their home into a full-blown haunted house. They want to enjoy Halloween but plan to make efforts to protect themselves and those around them. “We’re vaccinated, but still mindful of COVID,” Robert Odom says. “We are taking precautions by limiting our guest list, , and have plenty of outdoor areas for guests to socially distance.” Medical experts say the way to approach Halloween safely mimics the way people should approach other social events. “If you are fully vaccinated, are wearing a mask and limit attending any large gatherings,” Cherian says, “you likely will be in pretty good shape to participate in any Halloween events.”
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Is Halloween Safe This Year Experts Weigh In
With the right precautions get your costume ready and fill the candy bowl for spooky fun
Getty Images Last year, COVID-19 forced Halloween revelers to get creative: There were candy chutes for contactless treat delivery and outdoor candy tables. Some people, particularly those over 50 and more at risk, opted out altogether. This Halloween is a lot less scary, at least when it comes to the coronavirus. Although official guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is still in the works, experts are giving the green light to enjoy the creepy holiday. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Anthony Fauci, M.D., director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, recently endorsed celebrating Halloween safely, especially for those who have received a “I think that, particularly if you’re vaccinated, you can get out there and enjoy it,” Fauci said on CNN’s State of the Union. Of course, that comes with caveats. “If you’re able to be outdoors, absolutely. Limit crowds. I wouldn’t necessarily go to a crowded Halloween party, but I think that we should be able to let our kids go trick-or-treating in small groups, ” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said in a recent interview on CBS’ Face the Nation . , with some precautions, says Vivek Cherian, a Baltimore, Maryland –based internal medicine physician at Amita Health. His advice for those over 50 — vaccinated and unvaccinated : Practice social distancing, minimize gathering in large groups, and wear a mask. Experts also recommend sticking to outdoor activities like trick-or-treating, hay rides and pumpkin patches. “Bottom line, you can participate in Halloween events this year ; just be smart about it,” Cherian says.Enjoy Halloween but with precautions
Halloween Safety
Is it safe to give out candy? Yes. You may want to wear a mask (not the costume variety!) as you open and close your door to protect yourself and others. Is it safe to Yes. Consider wearing a mask to protect yourself and children who are unvaccinated. Try to avoid crowded areas. Can I get COVID-19 from touching candy? Unlikely. Medical experts say COVID-19 is largely spread through respiratory droplets and not on surfaces. Is it safe to go to a Halloween party? Maybe. Outdoor gatherings are safer than indoor gatherings. Avoid crowded indoor gatherings. If indoors, make sure to wear a mask. Unlike last year , when door-to-door trick-or-treating was considered high risk, this and other outdoor activities are probably the best low-risk options. Indoor gatherings raise more concerns. Experts suggest considering factors like the vaccination status of those who will attend, the number of people expected and ventilation. An indoor event may be okay if all attendees are vaccinated — or it can be risky if you or others are unvaccinated.Nothing is zero-risk, Cherian says, but in the past year and a half scientists have learned that surface transmission of the coronavirus is not as much of a concern as experts initially suspected. Airborne spread, particularly by the , is much more significant. “The issue has always been , and continues to be , ,” Cherian says. “Continue to wear your mask while out trick -or -treating, but you don’t need to worry about the virus being on the candy and spreading afterwards.” It’s important for adults to wear masks to protect themselves and those around them — particularly children, Cherian says. “The data has shown with the delta variant even if you are vaccinated and you have a breakthrough infection (regardless if you are symptomatic or not), you essentially carry the same viral load in your nasopharynx as those individuals who are unvaccinated, and this can be unknowingly spread to others without proper caution,” Cherian says. . Ganter and her boyfriend tried to make the best of it. “We put chairs outside, and the kids would come up and we kind of tossed the candy into their basket,” she says. Ganter was also impressed by neighbors who constructed elaborate chutes as a socially distant way to give out candy. But it wasn’t the same. This year she is vaccinated and hoping to resume her tradition of dressing up and going out. She’s considering a nurse costume with a witty sign to poke fun at COVID. Entertainment $3 off popcorn and soft drink combos See more Entertainment offers > “All of us have missed out on a year of our life,” she says “I am almost 60 and it’s like I feel like I’m running out of time to do things. I want to get back out and do things.” But Ganter also worries about unknowingly spreading the virus to others. AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe many seniors felt during this time can’t be undone. “This pandemic has definitely changed us in more ways than one,” Hing says. As a professional tarot reader, Patti Woods says Halloween is her favorite holiday. Like others, the 51-year-old Trumbull, Connecticut , resident tried to make the most of last year but even her usual outdoor bonfire, which was easy to adapt to practice social distancing, felt off. Many guests seemed hesitant, she says. She hopes this year will be better. Woods is planning to read tarot cards in the morning and have the bonfire in the afternoon. “I think people will be a little more comfortable this year, so I’m anticipating a few more friends to sit around the bonfire,” she says. Across the country in San Diego, California, the Odoms — Jeri, 68, and Robert, 60 — have scaled down the Halloween bash they normally host, transforming their home into a full-blown haunted house. They want to enjoy Halloween but plan to make efforts to protect themselves and those around them. “We’re vaccinated, but still mindful of COVID,” Robert Odom says. “We are taking precautions by limiting our guest list, , and have plenty of outdoor areas for guests to socially distance.” Medical experts say the way to approach Halloween safely mimics the way people should approach other social events. “If you are fully vaccinated, are wearing a mask and limit attending any large gatherings,” Cherian says, “you likely will be in pretty good shape to participate in any Halloween events.”
3 Fun and Safe Fall Activities
3 Fun and Safe Fall ActivitiesMore on home-family AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS