Halloween expected to look different amid pandemic

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Halloween happens Saturday and may look different this year with COVID-19. Therefore, many families are opting out of traditional trick-or-treating.

“Nobody is going up to anybody’s door and nobody is going to be taking anything out of anybody’s house,” said William Morris, owner of Project Road Warrior.

“I think what’s obviously going to be different are masks,” said Dr. Katherine Duncan,  Beverly Olson Knight Children’s Hospital.  

Dr. Duncan says everyone should follow CDC guidelines by wearing a mask when around people not in your immediate household, and social distance. She says those are the only major differences this year.

Owner of Project Road Warrior William Morris says COVID-19 helped him decide to throw a family-friendly, community-wide Halloween event in east Macon for families that will not be trick or treating this weekend.

Morris says organizers will transform the parking lot of Triple Crown Lounge into a Halloween carnival parade. He says children can still dress up in their costumes, take photos, and get candy.

“We would like for our children and our families to have on masks as well to make sure we provide safety for everyone,” Morris said. 

According to CNN, the CDC issued Halloween safety guidelines in September.  The CDC also labeled traditional trick-or-treating as a “high-risk activity” during the pandemic.

Dr. Duncan says if parents take their children out to trick-or-treat, only visit homes you know. Duncan says if you’re handing out candy, there are a few things to consider. 

“We want people to be giving out single packaged candies and hopefully putting them in little bags or putting them out on their porch in ways that you don’t have to have the hand contact with other people,” Duncan said.

Morris says if you don’t trick-or-treat this year, Halloween doesn’t have to be canceled. He says all are invited to the Triple Crown Lounge Saturday and he encourages costumes.

“Everyone is welcomed to come to participate, that’s why we are doing it,” Morris said. “So our young people and families can be blessed.” 

Also, Dr. Duncan encourages parents to have hand sanitizer if going trick-or-treating.

Event information

Saturday’s event happens from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the parking lot of Triple Crown Lounge on Shurling Drive.