In partnership with The Fresh Toast

The CDC issued a statement regarding COVID safety guidelines during Halloween. Here’s what they said about costume masks and the protection they may offer.

Now that Halloween is around the corner, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is trying its best to provide clear guidelines and recommendations for us. We already know we’re supposed to avoid large parties, haunted houses and trick or treating, but what about Halloween masks?

According to the CDC,  people should continue to use face masks as a way of staying safe. Sadly, Halloween masks, unless they’re made of two breathable layers that cover nose and mouth, won’t keep people safe from the virus.

RELATED: Here Are The Halloween Activities You Should Avoid Due To COVID

“Do not use a costume mask (such as for Halloween) as a substitute for a cloth mask unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers your mouth and nose and doesn’t leave gaps around your face,” explains the organization.

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Photo by Oscar Chevillar via Unsplash
The CDC also warns against wearing a cloth face masks underneath a Halloween mask, since this could make it difficult to breathe and may result in dangerous situations for the wearer. “Do not wear a costume mask over a cloth mask because it can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.”

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It’ll be difficult to try to recreate a Halloween like the ones we’ve experienced in previous years, but this doesn’t mean that people can’t get creative with their plans. The CDC offers some pretty snoozy (but safe!) alternatives that will still allow you to celebrate the holiday. These include:

  • Having a small group, outdoor, open-air costume parade where people are distanced more than 6 feet apart
  • Attending a costume party held outdoors where protective masks are used and people can remain more than 6 feet apart
  • Having an outdoor Halloween movie night with local family friends with people spaced at least 6 feet apart
  • Visiting pumpkin patches or orchards where people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or picking apples, wearing masks is encouraged or enforced, and people are able to maintain social distancing

If all else fails, there’s always wine and Zoom.

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