Celebrating Halloween is up for debate in many households this fall season, just like so many other holidays and celebratory events that have been jeopardized by COVID-19 this year. After the return of students to schools and the reopening of businesses, coronavirus cases are slowly starting to increase again, making parents wonder if taking the kids trick-or-treating this year is the right decision to make.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he will not ban trick-or-treating, leaving the decision in the hands of parents according to Abc 7 New York (Eyewitness News). New York City showed a strong recovery from the emergence of the virus in the spring and saw a .78% decrease in cases from Aug. 1 to Sep.1. This seemed promising to businesses, schools, and residents.
With the return of students to college campuses and reopenings, however, we have seen a 1.2% increase in cases from Sep. 1 to Oct 19 as recorded by The City (Choi, A., Velasquez, J., & Welch, W). With cases on the rise, many are second-guessing their Halloween plans. Cuomo reminded New Yorkers that, “Cocky is not good, and we are still in this ” as he stated in an interview with ABC News. This is an important reminder for those who are still deciding how to celebrate Halloween and the upcoming holiday season.
Coronavirus has caused some infamous NYC haunts like the Greenwich Village Parade and the Monster Ball to be canceled, according to the New York Post (Roberts, G., & Italiano, L). Attractions that are choosing to stay open like the Blood Manor Haunted House on Broadway and the Queens County Farm Museum in Glen Oaks are enforcing COVID-19 regulations as stated on their websites (Gardiner, M). Other haunted attractions like the I Survived the Room: The Order located in Long Island City, have temporarily closed and will not be operating at all due to COVID-19.
Businesses are tackling COVID-19 in different ways as celebrating Halloween this year is scary in more ways than one. The Bayville Scream Park in Long Island has stated on their website that social distancing is not guaranteed at their location and that those who wish to participate in the haunted house must acknowledge the exposure risk they are taking upon entry.
Many parents are choosing to celebrate Halloween with their children inside out of precaution. College campuses are the most at risk this season due to the willingness of students to attend large parties despite the virus. While some Halloween haunts are still operating this year, attendance does come with the risk of possible exposure to the virus. With coronavirus on the rise again, it is important to remember and adhere to CDC guidelines this Halloween by wearing a mask, washing your hands often, social distancing at least 6ft, and avoiding large gatherings.