The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we’ve celebrated almost every holiday this year, from Easter to the Fourth of July. Now, with Halloween quickly approaching and a potential second wave of infections on the horizon, it looks like our spooky October celebrations will also require some modifications to keep everyone safe and healthy.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released guidelines earlier this month detailing which Halloween activities may be appropriate and the level of risk associated with each one. The Tennessee personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys has reviewed this information and created the following guide to help families practice good Halloween safety in Nashville.
Oh, and speaking of Halloween…have you cast your vote in Lerner and Rowe’s Halloween costume contest? Click the link to pick your favorites!
Can My Kids Go Trick or Treating in Nashville This Year?
Technically, your children can go trick or treating in Nashville this year. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they should. The CDC has designated traditional trick or treating as a high-risk Halloween activity.
You can mitigate the risk of door-to-door candy collection by participating in no-contact trick or treating. This means only patronizing houses that offer one-way trick or treating, where children collect individually-wrapped goodie bags at the end of the driveway or in the yard while social distancing. The CDC considers this a moderate-risk activity, so take caution if you or your child have underlying health conditions.
Safety Tip: If your children do go trick or treating this year, be sure that an adult or responsible caregiver accompanies them. Halloween night is notorious for Nashville pedestrian accidents, so stick to well-lit sidewalks and neighborhoods and always look both ways before crossing the street.
Can I Go to a Halloween Party If I Wear a Mask?
Obviously a traditional indoor Halloween party sans protective face masks is going to be a major no-no this year. That being said, attending a small outdoor Halloween celebration in which everyone stays at least six feet apart while wearing a face mask would be an acceptable moderate-risk activity, according to the CDC.
Keep in mind that a costume mask is not an okay substitution for a cloth face mask. Proper face coverings should be made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that cover the nose and mouth without leaving gaps around the face. Avoid wearing a costume mask over a face mask, as it may make it difficult to breathe.
Safety Tip: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) drunk driving accidents kill dozens of victims every year, with three times as many fatal DUI accidents occurring on Halloween compared to New Year’s Eve. If you plan on drinking alcohol at a Halloween party, arrange alternate transportation ahead of time, such as a designated driver or rideshare service.
Can I Go to a Haunted House in Nashville?
Even when wearing a protective face mask, going to an indoor haunted house attraction is considered a high-risk activity by the CDC. Haunted houses can be crowded and groups of visitors may be unable to social distance from each other or the actors in the haunted house.
In addition, haunted houses tend to involve a fair bit of screaming, which can more easily transmit the novel coronavirus. To maximize Halloween safety in Nashville this year, avoid crowded indoor haunted houses. If you must go to a haunted house, consider one held outdoors.
Safety Tip: Haunted houses are common locations for slip-and-fall accidents. Always look where you’re going, stay in designated areas, and never run in a haunted house.
What Are the Best Low-Risk Halloween Activities in Nashville?
The good news is that although Halloween might look a little different this year, there are still plenty of low-risk activities for families, friends, and neighbors to celebrate. Try some of these CDC-approved celebrations:
- Have a virtual Halloween costume contest or get-together with your friends on Zoom.
- Have a scary movie marathon with the people you live with or virtually with friends.
- Decorate the outside of your home for the neighborhood to see and enjoy.
- Create a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt inside your house or front yard. You can hide candy, small toys, and other tricks or treats for your kids to find on Halloween night.
- Carve pumpkins with your family and friends outside while socially distant.
Injured on Halloween in Nashville?
Halloween safety in Nashville is about more than just preventing the spread of COVID-19. This holiday can also be a dangerous day for Halloween accidents and injuries. If you or your child suffer an injury this year due to negligence, know that legal help is just one phone call away.
Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys is available 24/7 to assist injured clients. Call our office day or night at 615-333-8888. Have questions? Representatives are standing by via LiveChat to assist you. You can also request your 100% free and confidential consultation by filling out this simple form.