What's happening to Halloween?

The CDC has marked Trick-or-Treating as a “High-Risk” activity. Paying a visit to the pumpkin patch is a “Moderate-Risk” activity. Parties, of course, aren’t a great idea right now, so what's happening to Halloween?

While Trick-or-Treating may be out of the question, what Halloween festivities can everyone partake in? People can still do things like carve pumpkins, have a movie night with their family, and decorate their house. However, the loss of Trick-or-Treating takes away a significant part of Halloween as everyone knows it.

In an article titled “Mayor Considering Halloween Guidance after CDC identifies Door-to-Door Trick-or -Treating as ‘High Risk’” by Maui Now, Mayor Victorino stated “Maybe we could have certain areas designated for trick-or-treating where people could come in, pick up a bag of candy and move on. And maybe even have stations,”.

“I feel sad about Halloween this year because we won’t get to celebrate normally or Trick-or-Treat.” expressed Riley Johnson, a senior at Maui High. Another student who wants to be anonymous states, “I think due to the circumstances of COVID, taking the most precautions is the safest idea. I am sad the little kids’ Halloween won’t be the same but it's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the health of our community.”

After large gatherings on the Fourth of July and Labor day, the cases across the islands spiked. By staying home and doing safe activities everyone can help the Maui community by preventing another spike in the cases. “This Halloween should be interesting this year.” said Evan Tarasenko, a freshman at Maui High, “I’ll just be going to a friends house for our own little ‘party’ but it’ll be more like hanging out.”

Even though the CDC doesn’t advise having big parties or going Trick-or-treating, it is inevitable some people still will. The Department Of Health (DOH) suggests avoiding large gatherings, continue to social distance, wash your hands frequently, and if you do go out to wear a face mask. Halloween costume masks have holes for the nose and mouth so that people can breathe. If you wear a cloth mask and a Halloween mask it could make it harder to breathe, so be careful. Halloween has always been something that people of all ages look forward to and enjoy.