Halloween is quite different this year because of COVID-19. But traditionally, Halloween is already a busy holiday in emergency rooms. 

Statistics showed that children are more than twice to be hit by a car on average and be killed on Halloween than any other day of the year, ABC 6 Wate reported.

COVID-19 Halloween Precautions for Unexpected Injuries
(Photo : Haley Phelps/Unsplash)
COVID-19 Halloween Precautions for Unexpected Injuries Halloween is quite different this year. However, traditionally, it is a busy holiday for emergency rooms. On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than any other day of the year. According to ABC 6 Wate, an emergency room director at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, Dr.Ryan Redman gave tips on how to have safe, yet fun Halloween.

So here are some safe and yet fun tips to avoid accidents and mishaps on Halloween.

Halloween amid the coronavirus

Choosing to cut down on interacting with people who are outside of your household is an excellent idea. Whether you opt or decide to go trick-or-treating with your kids, following these five core actions recommended by the Knox County Health Department will cut down on the possibility of spreading the virus: 

  1. Follow social distancing
  2. Wear cloth face coverings
  3. Wash hands frequently
  4. Sanitize surfaces
  5. Choose to stay home when you feel sick

Common injuries 

  • Cuts or lacerations from pumpkin carving (the most common injury as per the Consumer Product Safety Commission)
  • Burns from lighters or candles
  • Head injury due to vehicle or falling accident.

Prevention

  • Halloween is a memorable holiday for children. They often get excited and have fun and tend to run with playmates. Make sure to choose a costume that is not too long for them. If you can't find one, trim it for a necessary precaution.
  • Instead of Halloween masks, choose to wear a cloth face mask that will cover a child's nose and mouth. A full-face mask for Halloween hinders children from fully seeing the surroundings. However, since it's pandemic, it is critical to have a cloth face covering to avoid contracting or spreading COVID-19.
  • Do not expect to watch younger kids with their older siblings. Children could do the trick or treat, but with the guidance of an adult. 
  • Glow sticks or flashlights are ideal when crossing roads or noticing by drivers.

Wearing cloth masks is recommended

Spectrum News 1 reported that one doctor in Kentucky suggests children wear cloth masks instead of Halloween masks out to trick or treat this year. Families also need to follow specific guidelines to stay safe this weekend, said Dr. Madeline Fisher of CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group.

Fisher said they are recommending children to still wear a mask even during the Halloween. The Halloween masks are not a safe alternative for regular cloth masks. If children wore both the Halloween mask and their cloth mask, it could be harder for them to breathe, Fisher noted.

Meanwhile, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and the CDC put guidelines to help keep everyone safe amid the Halloween weekend.

The federal agency urged people to participate in virtual Halloween costume contests and have a one-way trick or treat with individually wrapped bags of candy for kids to grab at the end of the driveways to make sure there's social distancing. 

Fisher said it is crucial for children during these times to follow the guidelines to help decrease the spread of the coronavirus.

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