1. Trick-or-Treating: Many counties are classifying trick-or-treating as “high-risk” for COVID-19 transmission, and for good reason: door-to-door candy-hunting comes increases your chances of contracting the virus due to exposure to large groups of people from different households. Follow guidance from your local health departments on whether or not it’s advisable to go trick-or-treating, and consider other, safer activities instead, like virtual parties or drive-by costume parades.
   
   If you choose to go out, make sure to wear a (cloth, not costume!) mask at all times, follow social-distancing guidelines, avoid touching surfaces that others have been in contact with, and sanitize your hands frequently. A full and detailed list of recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention can be found here.
   

2. Spooky-Themed Events: Check out this list of activities and events occurring around the DMV area! From book-themed pumpkin displays to drive-in theaters and virtual costume and dance parties, there are many ways to celebrate Spooky Season this year while social-distancing and following pandemic protocols.
   

3. Eerie Entertainment at Home: There’s nothing scarier than watching horror movies in the dark, and you may just find your new, terrifying favorite! Have young children? Not a problem – kids and adults alike will enjoy classics like The Addams Family, Halloweentown, or It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. There are so many monster- and magic-themed films to choose from that you’ll definitely be able to get in the Halloween spirit from the comfort of your own couch.

MD COVIDSitters is dedicated to helping the families of essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s not too late to sign up for their free online Dia De Los Muertos-themed art class or Thriller dance class, both of which are happening this afternoon. They also offer a variety of other services to help essential workers in the DMV Area as they face more unpredictable and stressful schedules, including childcare and errands. All volunteers associated with MDCS are required to pass a background check and childcare program developed by the Minnesota Department of Health before starting, making them an incredibly safe and reliable organization.

Learn more about MD COVIDsitters and sign up for their services here.

Sources:

• https://wtop.com/local/2020/10/is-trick-or-treating-happening-in-your-area-heres-what-you-should-know/

• https://www.familyeducation.com/halloween/8-alternatives-to-trick-or-treating-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/daily-life-coping/Trick-or-treating.pdf

• https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/the-halloween-weekend-scene-what-to-do-around-dc-maryland-virginia/2458276/

• https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/g3383/best-horror-movies-of-all-time/

• https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g2661/halloween-movies/