Can you believe it, it is October and almost time for Halloween! Just when you thought 2020 couldn’t get any spookier we arrive at Halloween during COVID-19. Some may even call it Quarantine-O-Ween, and this year it is on a Saturday!

When you participate in celebrations this year, make sure you practice the 3 W’s (Wear a mask, Wait 6 feet apart, and Wash your hands)! Having outdoor events is highly suggested if you are having a gathering.

Dr. Christopher Ohl, M.D. (Wake Forest Baptist Infectious Disease Expert) spoke in his weekly update about COVID-19 and says you need to get innovative this year to celebrate safely. Think outside the typical trick-or-treat box.

Halloween trick-or-treating is done outside which helps, but It will be very important to follow guidelines and try to stay 6 feet apart and wear masks (even over Halloween costumes).

Innovative ideas that were talked about this week during Dr. Ohl’s Live Facebook Update:

• Set up a trick-or-treat driveway table outside to provide candy. That way kids won't have to ring doorbell and crowd at the door. Self-serve candy bowls may be tricky...Try ziplock treat bags or cups to distribute the candy. 
• Provide a specific time for trick-or-treating in your neighborhood like 6:00pm-7:30pm. It will be important for neighbors to show they are participating by being outside/setup with lights on. Make sure your kiddos don’t ring doorbells, which will ensure less germ spread.
• Encourage kids set up in driveway and have a neighborhood parade where candy is tossed in a drive-by <reverse> trick-or-treating. Adults would toss out candy to kiddos in each driveway.
• Organize a glow in the dark egg hunt/scavenger hunt in a common area, have the kiddos look for prizes or eggs with candy inside.
• Setup a candy graveyard, where tombstones would be spread throughout the yard and prizes and candy piled up next to each.
• Attend a trunk-or-treat where parents would decorate the trunk of their cars and hand out candy to kiddos (hand sanitizing between each child of course).

Things you can do from the safety of your own home, even if you decide not to trick-or-treat:

• Decorate your house to the max! Go all out this year, the more décor the better.
• Host zoom costume parties and pumpkin carving contests…you could even award prizes.
• Boo or Ghost people by spreading anonymous cheer. Drop off Halloween goodie bags or pumpkin on doorsteps of friends and loved ones.
• Have a Halloween movie marathon, here’s a helpful list of movies.
• Whip up DIY Treats or order Halloween specials from restaurants.
• Try a drive through haunted house if you are feeling brave…
• Head to a drive in theater for Halloween movies. The Winston-Salem Fairgrounds has The Drive, Marketplace Cinema is now hosting Drive in movies as well.

Feel free to share any other ideas you may have in the comments section, and share this blog with your friends and family!

We hope you have a Spooky, Safe and Happy Halloween!