The Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics is aware of possible risks with regards to the transmission of COVID-19 on Halloween. In general, but particularly in areas of higher disease transmission, the safest plan is to discourage trick-or-treating this year and consider a smaller event with a known cohort.

For those families that choose to take their children “trick or treating”, the MIAAP suggests following guidelines for social distancing, cloth facemasks, and hand hygiene. Similar to previous guidelines limiting gatherings, the MIAAP recommends groups be limited in size to immediate families or familiar pods. Large groups should be avoided. The greatest transmission risk will be from contact with fellow trick-or-treaters or the adults accompanying them rather than from exposure to treats or the adults dispensing the treats at the door.

The MIAAP recommends all children over the age of two, wear cloth facemasks along with costumes. Most Halloween costume masks will not limit the spread of infectious diseases, so a cloth facemask is recommended along with any costume mask.

As with all decisions, parents should decide whether to “trick or treat” or not, based on their level of comfort and their own set of risk factors. As a reminder, please follow other AAP health and safety tips if out on Halloween night.