By Jade Fadrowski
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
This upcoming Halloween will look different from years past.
Parents around the state have been left to decide whether their children should participate in traditional trick-or-treating this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. They are being bombarded by conflicting messages. Baltimore City health officials say no, while Carroll County and a few other areas in Maryland give residents the green light.
“I think the government shouldn’t be able to tell me what I can and can’t do,” said Charlene Thompson, a Carroll County resident who plans to take her 2- and 3-year-old daughters trick-or-treating. “I think people should be safe and use good judgment. Something people don’t have enough of.”
Thompson’s plans are supported by Westminster Mayor Joe Dominick who is pushing to keep alive the tradition of trick-or-treating. Dominick said he is not concerned about seeing an increase in coronavirus cases.
“I don’t think further restrictions at the municipal level are warranted,” said Dominick. “If we can shop and dine out, we shouldn’t restrict an outdoor activity like trick or treating.”
Dominick continued, “There very well could be an increase in cases after Halloween. Experts have been warning us of a second wave this fall since the very beginning of the pandemic. An outdoor activity like trick-or-treating shouldn’t contribute to that, at least not any more so than any of the other activities currently allowed under the governor’s orders.”
Gov. Larry Hogan and the health secretary days ago lifted some restrictions on outdoor activities and sports but stressed the importance of wearing masks and maintaining proper distances.
But Baltimore City Health Commissioner Letitia Dzirasa advised city residents to keep health and safety in mind to avoid an increase in COVID-19 cases.
“Trick-or-treating, attending indoor Halloween parties, or haunted houses are not advisable this year and present an elevated risk of disease transmission,” Dzirasa said. “You are at risk of getting sick, or you’re at risk of jeopardizing the health of your loved ones.”
Thompson’s daughters Lottie Jo and Ellie are excited to trick-or-treat and plan to dress in costumes.
“I’m going to be a ghost and eat lots of candy,” said 3-year-old Lottie Jo.
The Carroll County Health Department’s website tells families who plan to participate in trick-or-treating to stay safe by following these guidelines:
- Trick-or-treat with people you live with.
- Stay 6 feet or more from people not in your household. It’s OK to get closer for a short time, like for a photo or candy hand-off, but make sure it’s less than 15 minutes.
- Wear a face covering over your mouth and nose. Costume masks will not block infectious droplets.
- Use sanitizer often while you are out.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Unwrap candy and drop it into a clean bowl. There is no need to disinfect candy but have your kids wash their hands before eating it. Remember to socially distance when eating around others not in your household.
“We are reminding people to stay distanced, wear appropriate masks, and be creative about how they distribute candy,” said Dominick. “We have people placing bags out ahead of time, creating candy chutes using decorated PVC pipe, among other creative ways to stay distanced.”
Dominick added “Safety measures make a difference. Wearing masks when appropriate and social distancing efforts will go a long way in allowing us to live as close to normal lives as possible until this is all behind us.”
Officials also offered alternatives to traditional trick-or-treating, including decorating the house and trick-or-treating in each room or having a zoom party with friends and family.