Should children go trick-or-treating this year? Expert weighs in

Will you let your children go trick-or-treating this year?

Halloween is just around the corner, but will it be another celebration hindered by Covid? Last year, trick-or-treating was banned due to the increasing cases and sheer risks families were in. Things are looking a little different this year. 92% of adults in the Republic of Ireland are now fully vaccinated and case figures continue to plateau. However, the chances of 5-12-year-olds being vaccinated by the end of the year are looking slim, so surely allowing them to go trick-or-treating isn't the best option? Experts have weighed in on the topic and it looks like Halloween will actually be a little bit livelier than last year, that's for sure. There's no doubt everyone remembers how eerily quiet the streets were last year. Bowls of sweets were left outside, alongside bottles of sanitizer, but there wasn't a soul around. There was no thrill in the air or excitement bubbling. However, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said trick-or-treating can go ahead if both children and parents are cautious. She told CBS, "If you’re able to be outdoors, absolutely. "Limit crowds, I wouldn’t necessarily go to a crowded Halloween party but I think that we should be able to let our kids go trick-or-treating in small groups and I hope that we can do that this year," she added. Using plenty of hand sanitizer and practicing social distancing is also advised. Numerous HerFamily mums said they will bring their children trick or treating this year. However, others said they still don't feel safe enough to do so. One mum shared, "We will only be visiting 6 houses on our street including our own. We won't be going to any other houses. These neighbours last year dropped bags of sweets into our porch last year instead of the boys going to their doors. "It was like trick or treating but in reverse! We left bags of sweets in our porch too for others so they didn't have to knock." It's important to remember that even if you don't feel safe trick-or-treating, which is totally understandable, you can still find other ways to celebrate Halloween. Mum Aoife shared, "Last year we had a Halloween party just the four of us. We all dressed up, played games, had sparklers, watch some fireworks our neighbours let off, and finished the night with a rave with glow sticks. It was the best fun ever. "We will just do the same again regardless as the boys had a ball," she shared. Other mums admitted they were concerned about allergies, as well as the risk of Covid. "It is just not safe, but we will still dress up and see family," one mum shared. Another added, "I don't even want others to call to our door. I don't feel like it's safe." One mum admitted, "I don't want the kids to miss out, but I'm too worried about Covid to risk it." A public health expert recently warned parents in England not to take any chances this October 31st. “We don’t want to dampen people’s spirits, but this Halloween make sure you don’t get a bigger fright than you bargained for. Covid’s still here so please remember to think about how to protect yourself and your children." "We all need to continue to take precautions to keep ourselves, our loved ones and our communities safe. That means continuing to practice good hygiene, limiting the number of people we come into contact with, and where possible meeting others outside." Will you let your children go trick or treating this year or will you plan an alternative spooky outing?