Halloween and COVID-19: Celebrating Safely

Claire Poché, MD, Oregon Health Authority,
Shimi Sharief, MD, MPH, Oregon Health Authority

3:44 – Every year our store sets out bowls of individually wrapped candies for our customers to help themselves to. Is this something we can still do? 
4:25 – Can I just layer a face covering under my Halloween mask? 
5:00 – If the goal is to stop the spread of droplets, wouldn’t a plastic Halloween mask work just fine? 
6:08 – How is getting handed candy while trick or treating different than getting handed takeout at a drive-thru or restaurant?  
8:04 – What about a social distancing candy dispenser or chute? 
8:33 – Why are face shields considered safe if Halloween masks are not? 
9:47 – Wouldn’t it be safe to individually wrap candy for trick or treaters? 
10:10 – Why wouldn’t a Halloween mask protect us if it’s made of the same fabric as a face covering? 
10:40 – Is it possible to make trunk or treating safe in some way? 
13:25 – What is safe for trunk or treat events? Is trunk or treating just as risky as trick or treating? 
15:05 – So is trick or treating not happening due to safety? 
16:26 – Have you considered creating a low to high risk document for families to follow? 
16:58 – Can we do an outdoor costume parade? 
18:18 – We’re hearing that some of the alternative events folks are planning could be less safe than trick or treating. Can we tell folks how to safely trick or treat outdoors?