By John Wichterman ’23

THE ROUNDUP

Halloween this year will certainly be one to remember, or forget, as extra precautions and regulations must be taken to lower the chance of spreading COVID throughout our community and nation alike.

Usual Halloween activities, like door-to-door trick-or-treating and attending gatherings, may likely spread COVID-19, as these events have a high potential to create high-traffic areas where everyone may not be wearing a mask. 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention included in their list of high-risk activities: participating in traditional trick-or-treating, trunk-or-treating, attending crowded costume parties indoors, going to an indoor haunted house and going on hay or tractor rides with people outside of your household.

“Most Halloween traditions that went on in my neighborhood had to be canceled,” said Bobby Munhall ’23.“It’s going to be a lot different and unusual, but at least we are staying safe so we can do things like this next year.”

Munhall mentions how this year will be much different, but he appreciates that we are staying safe.

Many neighborhood events have had to be canceled or changed to ensure the safety of all.

“The best I can do is to advocate that maybe this year, we skip some of the formal functions where everyone meets up in the cul-de-sac,” said Ben Thinnes ’92, president of the Home Owners Association in a north central neighborhood.

Thinnes mentions that he is limited in what power he has, power that comes from the governing documents of the HOA, over others’ actions. 

Popular attractions during the Halloween season, such as Fear Farm, are planning on opening with new regulations and rules in place to keep everyone safe.

“The nature of a haunted house is all about physical distancing; it always has been, it’s what we do normally,” said Fear Farm in a statement on their website.

“This year, we’re going above and beyond our normally safe and distanced methods of operation, and taking it to the next level.”

Some notable precautions Fear Farm will include capacity limits, face coverings on all staff members, mask requirements for guests, and the regular sanitization of all common touch points. 

“I was originally planning on going out with friends, especially since it is a Saturday, but now I am still uncertain about my plan,” said Isiah Tallabas ’23

Before committing to any plans, make sure to review the CDC’s recent announcements regarding the risk of spreading COVID-19 during Halloween and festivities.