Medical experts say that trying to minimize the risk of spreading the virus by canceling Halloween activities in the US could endanger mental health, especially in children, who are prevented from going to school and spending free time with friends in a pandemic.
During the traditional Halloween celebrations, Sarah Schwimmer opens the door and distributes sweets to the outstretched hands of carolers in costumes. This year, however, he will send them confectionery through a three-meter-long plastic tube to maintain the social distance needed during the coronavirus crisis.
“Everything has changed for the kids, so anything we can do to keep this fun for them is important,” said Schwimmer, 54, of Lawrenceville, New Jersey.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned of Halloween activities considered risky for the spread of covid-19, including visiting haunted houses, driving a hay with hay if people from more than one household participate, or direct contact with carolers “.
Also, screaming – whether out of joy or out of terror – is considered dangerous behavior, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At the same time, the CDC called for spacing and wearing veils in order to reduce the possibility of transmitting the virus on Halloween Saturday, October 31.
A total ban on caroling has been announced in a number of large cities, such as Los Angeles, and small ones, such as Longmeadow, Massachusetts.
The annual ride of the headless rider in Sleepy Hollow, New York, was also canceled. This traditional event refers to the well-known 200-year-old short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by the American writer Washington Irwing.
It turns out that at least the sale of Halloween costumes and sweets is similar to previous years. The National Retail Federation said people are expected to spend $ 8.05 billion on Halloween decorations, costumes and other things related to the holiday this year, which is just a little less than last year’s $ 8.8 billion. Sales of Halloween confectionery are already 8.6 percent above last year.
The covid-19 disease itself inspired some costumes, such as a giant bottle of disinfectant or a coronavirus-shaped face mask.
Schwimmer said she would put on her worn-out witch’s hat on Saturday and send sweets down the carolers from a window on the first floor of the house through a plastic tube.
“I think we can celebrate without risk and we don’t have to interrupt the whole holiday,” says Schwimmer, who is a fifth-grade elementary school teacher. “Under these circumstances, it is necessary to find joy where possible. I know that it is crucial for my personal and professional life, and I believe that it is extremely important for children as well,” he adds.
You might be interested in: Volunteers deliver food and joy to doctors
Volunteers again supply # Energy Physicians. Medical staff delivers food and joy Video: Aktuálně.cz, Energie for doctors
–
– .
