According to the CDC, like many holidays and celebrations in 2020, Halloween is bound to look different due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For those of you who plan on giving out candy to neighborhood ghosts and goblins, you may want to consider these ideas for a safer way to accommodate trick-or-treaters.

Arrange candy outside

The CDC is recommending “one-way trick-or-treating” this year for those still participating in Halloween. Rather than having children ring the doorbell, arrange candy outside in advance for curbside pick-up so children can visit your house for treats in a contact-free manner. Instead of the traditional candy bowl, consider filling small bags with a few pieces of candy and lining them up on the front steps or driveway. These Halloween goodie bags mean you can stay inside the house and trick-or-treaters avoid the germs that come with rifling through a communal bowl.

Put out hand sanitizer

If accessible, place a hand sanitizer bottle with a pump-top outside to encourage neighbors to clean their hands in passing.

Plan a virtual parade and costume party

Use video chats for an online party with friends and family and show off costumes and play games. Have fun with it. In cold climates, this may be the first time your child can wear a costume that isn’t buried under a parka. Outdoor costume parades are another option, if it is possible for everyone to stay at least 6 feet apart and wear cloth face coverings. Remember: a costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth face covering unless it has multiple layers of breathable fabric and covers the mouth and nose snugly.

Avoid indoor events

Avoid indoor events such as haunted houses. A local haunted forest or corn maze may be a better option, as long as cloth face covering use, physical distancing and one-way walk through is enforced. If you think there may be screaming, leave extra distance to lower the risk of spreading respiratory virus. If you go to a pumpkin patch or apple orchard, also use hand sanitizer before and after touching what you pick.

Halloween in the Old Northeast

Every year hundreds of gleeful trick and treaters and their families flood the Historic Old Northeast neighborhood to gather Halloween treats from St. Petersburg’s most festively outfitted neighborhood.

RE/MAX Metro realtor, Estelia Mesimer says this tradition will be put to the test this year due to COVID-19. “Thankfully, we have learned to cope with making adjustments and can still have a great time and keep safe.”

Bottom Line: Halloween during the COVID-19 pandemic is a chance for you and your children to get creative, and maybe even invent some new traditions for your family. It is also a good time to teach children the importance of protecting themselves as well as others.

Related articles:
7 Ways to Have a Happy (and Safe) Halloween during COVID-19
Coronavirus has Tampa Bay rethinking Halloween parties

St. Petersburg Communities

If you’re interested in any of these of communities or live in one of them and are thinking of selling, call Estelia today!

Allendale Terrace
Bahama Shores
Bayway Isles
Coquina Key
Crescent Heights
Crescent Lake
Downtown
Greater Pinellas Point
Historic Kenwood
Historic Old Northeast
Historic Roser Park
Historic Uptown
Isla del Sol
Old Southeast
Placida Bayou
Snell Isle