Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in the United States. In 2019 alone, Halloween spending crested almost $9 billion. Between buying the best costumes, throwing the best parties, and going door to door for the best candy, it’s not hard to see why it’s so beloved. As many as 87% of consumers note that ads have become more frequent in the last two years. This is only a drop in the bucket compared to the $394 billion home improvement budget most Americans have, but it’s among the top holidays to shell out for. But most people are scared that the COVID-19 pandemic will stop Halloween in its tracks, and for good reason.

While many places across the country have entered various stages of reopening, the social aspects of Halloween will undoubtedly change. After all, the thought of going to a stranger’s house for candy doesn’t hold the same allure as it did a year ago. While we all strive to stay safer, there’s no mistaking that trick or treating is a higher-risk activity with a global pandemic humming in the background.

What are high-risk activities this year?

The CDC has officially announced that the 2020 Halloween season holds a number of high-risk activities. Luckily, they have also categorized these activities into different categories and offered a few ways to stay healthier this year.

High risk activities include:

  • Trick or treating in the traditional sense
  • “Trunk or treating” where kids go from car to car for candy in a parking lot or other community center
  • Crowded costume parties, especially if they’re indoors
  • Hayrides with strangers and other activities with people you don’t know

Moderate-risk activities include modified activities like:

  • Outdoor costume parties where people can safely practice social distancing
  • Trick or treating where houses include individually wrapped bags lined up on a porch

Luckily, there are some low-risk activities, too. These include:

  • Pumpkin carving with the family
  • Watching scary movies with people among your quarantine circle
  • Hosting a virtual Halloween costume party

The CDC has also listed high-risk communities on a color-coded map. While everyone should be careful, using this mask to identify higher risk areas should encourage people to take extra precautions on Halloween.

Even without the threat of a global pandemic, we should all be striving to take care of our health at this time of year. After all, almost 19% of children already suffer from untreated cavities. The candy eaten from their favorite holiday could make this worse.

Along with fears over sickness this year, there are other concerns that arise during the holidays. Drinking and driving, for example, is a big problem on Halloween. While children are trick or treating, many adults like to take part in Halloween parties. Even one DUI charge can cost you thousands of dollars and land you up to 2.5 years in prison. If you’re planning on relying on taxi services or rideshares, be sure to bring a mouth covering to stay safe. More rideshare apps are demanding that their customers wear masks. If you’re drinking, be sure to have a safe way home.

If you’re worried about what Halloween will look like this year, rely on the CDC guidelines to stay safe.